Cowen welcomes new EU antibiotics standards decision

Fianna Fáil MEP for the Midlands-North-West Barry Cowen, has welcomed the decision by EU Member States to update the list of third countries authorised to export animals and animal products to the European Union.

The updated list, which takes effect from September 3, following a vote by the Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed, identifies third countries that have demonstrated compliance with EU restrictions on antibiotics use in livestock.

Under EU rules, antibiotics may not be used in animals for growth purposes, and medicines reserved for treating human infections are prohibited from use.

Brazil is notably absent on the updated list, meaning it will no longer be permitted to export beef, poultry, eggs and other animal products to the EU from that date, unless it can demonstrate compliance with EU standards.

MEP Cowen, who served as lead rapporteur for Renew Europe on the European Parliament's report on the Future of Agriculture, in which he made explicit calls for greater reciprocity in standards for trade, said the focus should always be on constructive engagement, not whipping up fear.

"Colleagues should tone down the alarmism and the populist rhetoric and concentrate on substance.

"We have unfortunately witnessed reckless behaviour from some that serves only to create an atmosphere of fear and distrust. I’m all for scrutiny, but not fearmongering," the MEP said.

Irish producers have been required to comply with the EU’s 'One Health' anti-microbial resistance strategy since 2022.

Now, third country exporters are being held to the same standard, a commitment the European Commission outlined in its 'Vision for Agriculture', which pledged to ensure that "the European agri-food sector is not put at a competitive disadvantage without corresponding reciprocity".

MEP Cowen said the decision was precisely that commitment in action. The Commission has been closely engaged with Brazilian authorities and confirmed that exports may only resume once compliance with EU requirements is demonstrated.

"Anti-microbial resistance is often cited as one of the key public health challenges that exist today. The EU's insistence that trading partners meet the same standards we impose on our own farmers is not a matter of protectionism but a matter of principle.

"We need to continue to ensure the sensible use of antimicrobials in animals to safeguard the health of citizens - this is what the EU’s ‘One Health’ approach is all about," MEP Cowen concluded.