On 26 June 2026, the European Commission published a proposal for a Council Decision setting the EU's position in the Joint Committee established under the EU-Faroe Islands Agreement on veterinary matters. The proposal aims to repeal and replace Joint Committee Decision 1/2001, updating the list of EU veterinary legislation that the Faroe Islands must apply for trade in animals, products of animal origin, and animal by-products. The update reflects changes in the EU acquis since the last revision in 2008 (Decision 1/2008).
The proposed Joint Committee Decision would require the Faroe Islands to apply the listed EU rules for commodities entering from third countries. Movements of these commodities from the EU to the Faroe Islands would follow EU rules for intra-Member State movement, as would movements from the Faroe Islands to the EU. The Joint Committee acts by mutual agreement, with recommendations from a veterinary subgroup. The underlying Agreement entered into force on 1 January 1997, and the Protocol on veterinary matters on 1 January 2000.
The proposal is a technical update to ensure continued alignment with current EU veterinary law. It has no major policy implications for stakeholders beyond regulatory clarity. The Council is expected to adopt the Decision, after which the Joint Committee will formally adopt the new rules.
EU producers and traders in animal products will benefit from clearer, up-to-date rules, reducing trade friction. Faroese authorities will need to adapt to the updated EU acquis, potentially incurring compliance costs. EU consumers are indirectly affected through maintained food safety standards. National authorities in EU Member States will have clearer guidance for border controls on Faroese products.