Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-001630/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Galato Alexandraki (ECR)
Greek sheep and goat farming is facing serious difficulties, especially during the Easter period, as demand reaches 750 000 lambs and kids, while domestic production this year does not extend beyond 450 000. This gap is covered by imports, mainly from EU countries where producer prices are lower (e.g. EUR 4.4/kg in Romania, EUR 8/kg in Greece). With retail prices at EUR 14-16/kg, producers ultimately make a loss instead of a profit. Also, during the same period, increased export activity is observed to countries such as Italy, France and Germany (350 000 in 2024).
At the same time, instances of ‘Greekification’ are being reported, where imported lambs and kids are misleadingly presented as Greek. In addition, cases of peste des petits ruminants have recently re-emerged in Romania and the Commission has decided to ban the movement of sheep and goats from there to other Member States.
In view of the above:
- 1.What checks are the competent European and national authorities required to carry out to ensure compliance with the legislation on the labelling and traceability of imported lambs and kids, and how does the Commission ensure that these checks are carried out?
- 2.How does the Commission intend to provide practical support for domestic sheep and goat farming, in order to ensure the viability of producers and Greek market sufficiency?
Submitted: 23.4.2025