Czech MEP Veronika Vrecionová (ECR) has raised concerns that national rules requiring an expert ballistics report for on-farm livestock slaughter may impose disproportionate burdens on small farmers and short supply chains, questioning whether such requirements go beyond EU law.
In a written parliamentary question submitted on 8 July 2026, Vrecionová asked the European Commission whether the obligation to provide a site plan and ballistics report—valid for three years and renewable at the farmer's expense—stems from EU legislation or is a Member State decision exceeding Regulation (EC) No 1099/2009 on the protection of animals at killing. She also inquired whether the Commission considers such additional national requirements a disproportionate administrative or financial burden for small family farms, mobile or regional slaughterhouses, and the development of short supply chains. Finally, she asked whether the Commission plans to issue guidelines or best practices to promote a more uniform application of on-farm slaughter rules across Member States.
The question targets a potential conflict between EU animal welfare standards and national implementation that may create uneven regulatory costs. If the Commission determines the Czech requirement is not mandated by EU law, it could signal that Member States should avoid adding extra layers of bureaucracy that hinder small-scale and local meat production. Conversely, a defense of national discretion would leave farmers facing continued costs.
The Commission is expected to reply within approximately six weeks, and its answer will clarify the legal basis and indicate whether it sees a need for harmonisation or guidance to ease the burden on smaller operators.