EP Intergroup on the Welfare and Conservation of Animals 18/01/ 2018, Strasburg, France Bulgarian Presidency of the Council of the EU 1 January 30 June 2018 ANIMAL WELFARE
First Bulgarian Presidency
Future of Europe and young people economic growth and social cohesion; BG presidency - overall priorities Security and stability in strong and united Europe; European perspective and connectivity of the Western Balkans; Digital economy and skills needed for the future
REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA Bulgaria has undergone a significant transformation over the past three decades. It has changed from a highly centralized, planned economy to an open, market-based, upper-middle-income economy securely anchored in the EU. Share in the final production from agriculture Founded: 681 AD Population 7.4 million Area 110,994 km 2 (42,855 sq miles) Official language: Bulgarian Official script: Cyrillic Religion: Orthodox Christianity Currency: Bulgarian lev Capital: Sofia 26% 6% 3% 65% Plant production Livestock breeding production Agricultural services Integral non-agricultural secondary activities
Forthcoming hearings to the European Parliament Minister of Agriculture, Food and Forestry of Republic of Bulgaria Mr. Rumen Porodzanov 23.01 14.30 h. COMAGRI 24.01 15.15 h. PECH Committee
Priority topics for the WP Chief Veterinary Officers Animal welfare during transport The role of the wildlife in the context of the animal health management
Priority topics for the WP Chief Veterinary Officers Why Animal welfare during transport? Enforcement of EU Transport Regulation (EC)1/2005 remains a challenge in EU. Difficulties in performing livestock exports to Middle East Countries Main weakness : -uniform implementation - cooperation among all stakeholders - commitment by all stakeholders (all actors involved in the transport chain of live animals entering or leaving the EU) - promotion of legislation and its enforcement in non EU countries
Priority topics for the WP Chief Veterinary Officers Why Animal welfare during transport? The proper implementation of the EU legislation related to the AW during transport is matters of high importance for Bulgaria. Bulgaria as one of the main road exit point for export to Turkey is taking its part in : - ensuring the constant implementation of the current EU AW legislation and international standards - facilitating and support all stakeholders in following these rules
Priority topics for the WP Chief Veterinary Officers State of play Bulgaria : - exports to Turkey has been increased significantly in recent years - more than 5600 consignments in 2016 and 5807 consignment till November 2017 (45 % of the export to Turkey) Transport conditions during long journeys vary a lot. % of the compliance with animal transport rules has varied from 96% compliance in 2015, down to 65% in 2016 (according to data in TRACES, DG SANTE fact finding report) The type of animal welfare non-compliances reported indicated that this situation had resulted in "exceeded travelling times" and travel conditions non-compliances
Outcomes Conclusions and recommendation on strengthening the implementation of the current legislation related to AW during transport in EU, promoting the EU animal welfare standards and support of their uniform implementation by all stakeholders at EU level and third countries. Priority topics for the WP Chief Veterinary Officers Reaction/measures addressing situation AW Conference within WP CVO ( CVOs, AW NCPs, EC, OIE) : Goals: Strengthening the implementation of the current EU legislation and the international standards related to AW during transport along the whole chain of the transportation process Objectives: to exchange views, sharing experience, challenges and best practice to identify the main cornerstones and priority actions to highlight the need for networking, close coordination and cooperation between MSs and third countries; to encourage the work with view of ensuring equivalence in implementation of EU standards on AW by all stakeholders at international level; to follow up the work of the AW platform (as established by the European Commission).
EP Intergroup on the Welfare and Conservation of Animals 18/01/ 2018, Strasburg, France Thank you for your attention! www.eu2018bg.bg @EU2018BG #EU2018BG