Romania seeks EU relief as live sheep export ban extended to 2026

The European Commission has prolonged the ban on exporting live sheep and goats from Romania to non‑EU countries until 31 December 2026, citing the risk of peste micilor rumegătoare after a focus was confirmed in Mureș County. The restriction, which already applies to intra‑EU trade until July 2026, threatens a sector that generates around €250 million a year and makes Romania the EU’s second‑largest ovine producer.

Romanian deputy Dumitru Coarnă condemned the decision, saying “thousands of breeders risk losing contracts, income and markets” and accusing Brussels of treating Romania as a raw‑material market. In response, a delegation headed by the head of the National Veterinary Authority will travel to Brussels to argue that any measures should be limited to the affected zones rather than covering the whole country.

A group of PSD euro‑deputies has also written to EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, requesting financial aid for the farmers and a revision of the trade restrictions, noting that Romania holds one of the EU’s largest ovine and caprine herds, essential for rural economies and food security.