Answer given by Ms Kyriakides on behalf of the European Commission
13.4.2023
The Commission has addressed the issue of the exit points with the Greek authorities on several occasions. Consequently, the Commission has been informed that Greece is in the process of putting in place the needed facilities and of allocating the necessary resources to perform checks regarding compliance with the Council Regulation (EC) 1/2005[1] and Regulation (EU) 2017/625 (Official Controls Regulation)[2].
According to Regulation (EU) 2017/625, an exit point is defined as either a border control post (BCP) or as any other place designated by a Member State where animals, falling within the scope of Regulation (EC) No 1/2005, leave the customs territory of the EU. Kakavia is listed as a BCP; it can therefore be an exit point.
However, regardless of whether the exit point is a BCP or an exit point designated by a Member State, it is the responsibility of that Member State to assure that facilities are in place for the necessary checks to be performed.
The Commission was not in contact with other Member States on this particular issue.
Sanctions for cases of transport of live animals not compliant with EU rules are imposed by Member States. The Commission is not in possession of specific information in this respect.