Dialogos

EU Commission Remains Firm, Culling Continues

Published March 13, 2026, 09:02
EU Commission Remains Firm, Culling Continues

The European Commission remains steadfast in its policy regarding the management of foot-and-mouth disease, despite strong reactions from farmers. European Commissioner for Health and Animal Welfare, Oliver Varhelyi, met with agricultural organizations and the Minister of Agriculture in Larnaca, but confirmed that there will be no changes to the management protocol, which provides for mass culling. The Honorary President of PEK, Michalis Lytras, stated that the Commissioner simply reiterated the application of the regulation without any relaxation, confirming the concerns of farmers. This attitude is expected to lead to mobilizations by the farmers, as they believe that the EU's policy is disastrous for livestock farming. The meeting with the Commissioner did not bring any new developments, according to Mr. Lytras, and the European Union will only provide assistance within the framework of the existing regulation. This means that farmers will have to face the consequences of the protocol, including mass culling. The situation remains tense and farmers are preparing for further reactions, as they believe that the European Commission is not taking into account the difficulties they are facing.