Romania seeks EU flexibility as sheep and goat export restrictions remain
Romania has asked the European Commission for flexibility in applying conditions on sheep and goat exports, but restrictions remain in force. Brussels requires credible disease controls, clear traceability and separation of infected animals before trade can gradually resume.
Restrictions remain after Brussels talks
Romania is seeking a gradual return to foreign markets for live sheep, goats and carcasses, but restrictions on sales to European Union member states and third countries remain in place. Interim Agriculture Minister Tanczos Barna raised the issue during his second meeting with European Commissioner for Health and Animal Welfare Olivér Várhelyi.
Agrointel reported that the restrictions followed outbreaks of peste des petits ruminants, a disease affecting sheep and goats. The talks covered both live-animal exports and carcass sales, making the dispute relevant to breeders, slaughterhouses and traders serving EU and non-EU destinations.
According to Digi24 and Economica, Barna asked the Commission for flexibility in applying export conditions during a transition from restricted status. He said changing EU directives and regulations specifically for Romania would be very difficult, although the government would continue pursuing a more flexible route back to the market.
Commission demands credible disease controls
The main obstacle is Brussels' lack of confidence in Romania's veterinary controls. Barna said Várhelyi repeatedly told him that the Commission's team had lost trust in the Romanian system's ability to control diseases in sheep and goats. He attributed this reluctance to a loss of credibility accumulated over 2 years.
Romania's sanitary-veterinary authority must now present a concrete, credible and workable plan that meets EU requirements. The Commission expects evidence that infected animals are separated from healthy livestock, complete traceability of herds and proof that affected zones have been cleared of epidemiological risk.
The conditions also cover animal welfare and veterinary compliance. Barna said Romania, which he described as the EU's largest exporter of live animals and a leading holder of sheep and goat herds, would face close supervision. No timetable was given for lifting the restrictions, and a return to trade depends on evidence that the control system is functioning.
Compensation sought for affected farmers
Romania also requested financial support for farmers affected by the loss of market access. According to Digi24, the proposed assistance would cover lost income, unrealised company profit, veterinary inspections, testing and other additional obligations borne by farmers and the sanitary-veterinary system.
Barna further requested financing to restock farms where animals are culled because of peste des petits ruminants. Economica and Agrointel also reported that he referred to farms affected by sheep pox. No compensation amount, funding mechanism or approval schedule was disclosed.
The unresolved restrictions leave farmers and processors exposed to a prolonged interruption in external sales. A phased reopening could limit disruption, but it would still require Romania to demonstrate reliable surveillance, segregation and traceability. Until the Commission accepts that evidence, exporters cannot assume that access to EU or third-country markets will resume.
