At the beginning of the month, the designated commissioners for the future College, including Olivér Várhelyi for Health and Animal Welfare, were auditioned before the European Parliament to assess their competencies and qualifications. These exchanges provided an opportunity to better understand the directions that could shape future EU policies on animal health and welfare, pending the confirmation of the candidates.
During his hearing, Olivér Várhelyi outlined several priorities: strengthening the fight against antimicrobial resistance, supporting research on zoonotic disease vaccines, and revising animal transport regulations to prevent border incidents. He also marked a significant shift by announcing his support for the gradual elimination of cages in farming, a measure aimed at improving animal welfare. However, his hearing raised some concerns, and further questions were posed to him, leaving the future of his nomination uncertain. To be continued…
This same month, a number of measures were also taken in the field of animal health, notably concerning new outbreaks of Goat Pox in Greece and Romania, the resurgence of Avian Influenza, and new measures to combat African Swine Fever.
Finally, Spain and France placed the European animal vaccination strategy on the agenda of the Agriculture Council, highlighting the importance of a coordinated response to health challenges.
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