Swine fever

21.10.2014

Question for written answer E-008186-14
to the Commission
Rule 130
Bronis Ropė (Verts/ALE) , Martin Häusling (Verts/ALE)

Several Member States, including Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland, are facing challenges related to the spread of African swine fever across the EU’s eastern border.

The counter-measures applied — the establishment of a surveillance zone and several monitoring zones (Parts I, II and III respectively), the co-financing of preventive measures and the slaughter of pigs in affected areas — seem to be helping to slow the spread of the disease, even though its origins outside the EU remain unaffected. Furthermore, pork producers operating in Part I, II and III areas, which cover almost half of Lithuania and Latvia, are facing heavy losses owing to general suspicion among bulk purchasers, resulting in drastically decreased sales.

At the 3337th Agriculture and Fisheries Council meeting of 13 and 14 October 2014, the Commission sent a political signal that the co-financing of preventive measures may be raised to 75%; no details were provided, however.

1. Can the Commission indicate what exact measures are expected to be implemented, and according to what schedule, including any activities outside the EU in adjacent areas of Belarus?

2. Can the Commission indicate the measures envisaged with a view to providing assistance to producers operating in Part I, II and III areas, including support for possible business reorganisation?