Romanian sheep farmers protest in Bucharest, demand end to export ban

Thousands of sheep farmers converged on Bucharest on Thursday, July 30, 2026, to protest the ongoing ban on exporting live animals. They are demanding urgent government action to lift restrictions that prevent them from selling their livestock to European Union countries and beyond, warning that "If exports don't expand, we will die!"

“

If exports don't expand, we will die!

The farmers initially gathered at the National Sanitary Veterinary Authority for Animal Health (ANSVSA) to seek explanations and demand the resignation of its president, whom they accuse of mismanaging disease outbreaks. These outbreaks led the European Commission to prohibit Romania's live animal exports. The protest then moved to the Government building, where farmers hoped to meet Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan.

“

The Prime Minister didn't even receive us, showing the lack of interest and mockery. Over 2,000 people come to Bucharest, and you can't spare half an hour to talk to them!

"The Prime Minister didn't even receive us, showing the lack of interest and mockery. Over 2,000 people come to Bucharest, and you can't spare half an hour to talk to them!" stated Constanța Ștefan, president of the "Țara Loviștei" Association. Vice Prime Minister Tanczos Barna met with the farmers, assuring them the prime minister would be informed and measures would be taken. However, the farmers left disappointed after a hot day, feeling ignored by the authorities.

“

Vaccination against pest will begin in two counties, and the rest will be very carefully supervised and monitored. Animals will no longer be killed, except those that are sick. They will be separated, with all sorts of measures being discussed, which I don't know if the European Union will like.

Discussions about potential measures included vaccinating sheep against pest in Tulcea and Constanța counties, while other farms would be monitored. Ștefan expressed concern that this plan might not satisfy the EU and would put farmers in Tulcea and Constanța in a difficult position. They might face restrictions on selling milk and meat, possibly only processed thermally and within Romania. "It's ugly. We don't have a concrete plan; everyone tells us 'let's see, we'll discuss, we'll analyze.' How can we analyze when over 2,500 people are in the street?" Ștefan lamented, as farmers consider stronger actions like blocking roads.

“

It's ugly. We don't have a concrete plan; everyone tells us 'let's see, we'll discuss, we'll analyze.' How can we analyze when over 2,500 people are in the street?