Zoning and compartmentalisation

15.6.2015

Question for written answer E-009785-15
to the Commission
Rule 130
Miguel Viegas (GUE/NGL)

In the context of international trade with third countries, they tend to view the EU as a whole in health terms. This means that the outbreak of a health scare in relation to any livestock species has repercussions for all Member States.

Many organisations have been calling for the Commission to require third countries to apply the concept of zoning and compartmentalisation in the Terrestrial Code of the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE). This approach would enable delimitation of the focal point and related buffer zone, with the necessary travel restrictions. This is essential to prevent an export ban being applied to the entire EU in the event of an outbreak of disease.

Can the Commission state: what is its view of this situation? What does it intend to do to fulfil a need of major importance to this economic sector?