A delegation of EP‘s committee of Inquiry on the protection of animals during transport (ANIT), led by Ms. Tilly Metz (Greens, LU), will visit Bulgaria on 20-22 September 2021.
Nine MEPs strong delegation will meet the Minister of Agriculture, officials and Bulgaria‘s veterinary experts to discuss the implementation of current EU rules on protections of animals during transport and possible ways to improve it. MEPs are looking forward in exploring first-hand the main difficulties EU countries are facing in enforcing current rules, including on the export of animals to non-EU countries. In this regard, they will visit Bulgaria-Turkey border crossing point at Kapitan Andreevo on 21 September. The results of this mission will feed into committee’s work on suggesting ways how to update current EU rules, so that animal welfare protection in EU is up to date and working. Ahead of the mission Ms Tilly Metz, Chair of ANIT, stressed: “I am looking forward to the first official mission of our inquiry committee. Finally, a delegation of MEPs will be able to witness the transport of animals in real life, in all of its complexities and difficulties. We plan to exchange views with different stakeholders and will hopefully be able to learn more about the roles and responsibilities in controlling animal transport on the ground. This mission should help us to finalise constructive recommendations on various animal welfare during transport issues, such as, fitness checks, infrastructures for gathering and resting, or the training of handlers.“ Ms Metz will be joined by 8 other MEPs: Ms. Anja Hazekamp (The Left, NL), Mr. Martin Hojsik (Renew, SK), Ms. Isabel Carvalhais (S&D, PT), Mr Daniel Buda (EPP, RO), Mr Michal Wiezik (EPP, SK), Mr. Juozas Olekas (S&D, LT), Ms Caroline Roose (Greens, FR), Mr Asger Christensen (Renew, DA). In addition Ms Atidzhe Alieva-Veli (Renew, BG) might also join the mission.
The Committee of Inquiry on the protection of animals during transport was set up in June 2020 to investigate alleged violations in the application of European Union law on the protection of animals during transport and related operations within and outside the EU, including by air, road, rail and sea. It focuses on the implementation of EU rules by member states and its correct enforcement by the EU Commission. The draft report on the investigation of alleged contraventions and maladministration in the application of Union law and relevant recommendations are being already discussed in committee with a view to adopting them in December 2021.
