In brief: Legislative work is ongoing in the European Parliament on the European Commission's the regulation proposal of the European Commission on the welfare of animals during transport. MEPs from the Agriculture (AGRI) and Transport (TRAN) Committees have been invited to submit amendments to the draft report. |
Based on amendments that have circulated informally this week, the text appears to be the subject of significant disagreement between political groups.
Pending official publication expected next week, several (unconfirmed) elements can already be noted:
- Renew Europe has reportedly proposed to ease certain provisions, including:
- Veterinary presence: removal of the obligation to have a veterinarian present during the loading and unloading of animals.
- Transport duration: authorisation of two periods of 9 hours, separated by at least one hour of rest, for unweaned animals (instead of the 8-hour limit proposed by the Commission).
- Loading/unloading time: these periods would be excluded from the total transport time.
- Extreme temperatures: mandatory ventilation systems capable of maintaining temperatures between 5°C and 30°C, with a 5°C margin.
- Administrative burden: Several amendments from Renew aim to reduce reporting obligations and simplify procedures for industry professionals.
- On the right-wing side, MEPs from the EPP, ECR, and Patriots for Europe groups have reportedly tabled amendments calling for the complete rejection of the European Commission’s proposal.
Once published, these amendments will form the basis for compromise discussions. The text will then be debated and voted on in the relevant parliamentary committees.
Next steps :
- Discussion of amendments in the AGRI and TRAN Committees: from mid-May 2025
- Vote in the AGRI Committee: expected in autumn 2025