*Press Release
A clear message from European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who emphasizes that no Common Agricultural Policy payments are being made, nor have any been made, to livestock farmers in the occupied territories. At the same time, she underscores that the European Commission will continue to support measures to eradicate foot-and-mouth disease throughout Cyprus.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
This is a significant development, as the Commission President’s statement comes in response to a letter from MEP Michalis Hatzipantelas (DISY-EPP), who had raised with the European Commission the issue of European agricultural subsidies in the occupied areas, in light of the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in Cyprus.
The MEP had specifically highlighted the failure to comply with—or gaps in the implementation of—European veterinary protocols and the rules on animal health, animal welfare, and food safety, stressing that the lack of controls in the occupied areas poses risks to the Republic of Cyprus, neighboring member states, and the integrity of the Single Market.
In a statement, Mr. Hatzipantela welcomed the clear response from the President of the European Commission, emphasizing that the protection of animal health, food safety, and the Single Market must have no loopholes.
“I will continue to closely monitor the issue and take action at the European level, with the aim of protecting Cypriot livestock farmers, consumers, and public health, as well as to ensure the proper and full implementation of European rules.”
