Romanian MEPs seek EU aid for farmers hit by small ruminant plague

Members of the Social Democratic Party (PSD) delegation in the European Parliament have formally requested financial support from the European Commission for Romanian farmers impacted by the small ruminant plague. In a letter addressed to Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, the MEPs also urged a reassessment of trade restrictions currently in place due to the disease's spread.

The delegation emphasized that the existing restrictions on live animal movement and intra-community trade have resulted in significant economic losses for Romanian farmers. They pointed out that Romania possesses one of the largest sheep and goat populations in the European Union, exceeding 11 million head. This sector, they argued, plays a crucial role in the rural economy, food security, and the economic viability of disadvantaged and vulnerable areas.

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România are unul dintre cele mai importante efective de ovine și caprine din Uniunea Europeană, cu peste 11 milioane de capete. Acest sector are un rol strategic pentru economia rurală, securitatea alimentară și viabilitatea economică a zonelor defavorizate sau vulnerabile

According to the PSD representatives, the disease outbreaks are currently confined to specific regions, and sanitary-veterinary authorities have implemented quarantine and isolation measures in affected areas. However, they expressed concern that the lack of timely vaccine availability and effective European prevention mechanisms should not penalize compliant farmers. The MEPs are advocating for a revision of restrictive measures to allow animal movement and trade in unaffected counties and zones.

Furthermore, the Romanian MEPs requested facilitation of exports to non-EU countries and called for financial compensation from European funds for farmers who have suffered losses due to animal culling or the disruption of commercial activities. They also proposed the establishment of a strategic European stock of vaccines against small ruminant plague and support for Romania in potential immunization and prevention campaigns. The initiative has garnered support from fellow MEP Dario Nardella, who coordinates the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats group in the European Parliament's Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development.

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Lipsa unor vaccinuri disponibile la timp și a unor mecanisme europene eficiente de prevenție nu trebuie să ducă la penalizarea fermierilor de bună-credință