Portugal along with 7 other Member States (Ireland, Lithuania, Latvia, Spain, Romania, Greece, France) have tabled an information note for the next AGRIFISH Council meeting on the 30 January 2023. 

Many MEPs are disappointed as the information note undermines previous information notes put forward by other Member States, as well as the recommendations of the Committee of Inquiry on the Protection of Animals during Transport (ANIT), which, among other requests, called for the creation of the necessary conditions that would allow a transition over time, from the need to transport live animals to the transport of carcasses, meat products and genetic material.

In light of the above, the Intergroup on Animal Welfare has written to Commissioner Kyriakides asking her to ensure that the proposal, which is expected October 2023, remains focused on alleviating the suffering of millions of animals due to long distance transports.