First meeting of EU directors of veterinary services under the Irish Presidency of the Council of the EU

8. 7. 2026

Administration of the Republic of Slovenia for Food Safety, Veterinary Sector and Plant Protection

The first meeting of the Working Group of Directors of Veterinary Services of the EU Member States under the Irish Presidency of the Council of the EU took place in Brussels on 6 and 7 July. Slovenia was represented by Ms. Andreja Bizjak, the new Acting Director General of the Administration of the Republic of Slovenia for Food Safety, Veterinary Sector and Plant Protection.

Participants in the roundtable meeting — Author Administration of the Republic of Slovenia for Food Safety, Veterinary Sector and Plant Protection

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The Irish Presidency presented its priorities for the second half of 2026, including strengthening preparedness for cross-border threats to animal health, ensuring effective communication during disease outbreaks, cooperation within the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), and further improving biosecurity measures at farms.

An important part of the discussions focused on the EU's preparedness for biological threats. The EU Member States stressed that, in view of the growing risks posed by contagious animal diseases, biological incidents and the potential deliberate misuse of pathogens, strengthened cooperation, information exchange and regular updating of preparedness plans are of crucial importance.

“Biological threats do not stop at national borders and can therefore only be effectively addressed through close European cooperation. Good preparedness, timely exchange of information and the One Health approach, which brings together the veterinary, public health and security sectors, are essential,” Ms Andreja Bizjak said during the discussion.

As part of international cooperation, the Directors of Veterinary Services continued discussions on harmonising European positions within WOAH, particularly regarding the ongoing management reform. The discussions focused on preparing common European positions for future negotiations and strengthening cooperation among EU Member States in developing these positions.

The delegations were also briefed on the outcomes of a special session of the European Commission on the control of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), operating under the auspices of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). The session highlighted the importance of education and training, simulation exercises, and regional cooperation and preparedness for animal disease outbreaks.

The meeting concluded in a constructive atmosphere, with EU Member States reaffirming their commitment to continued close cooperation in addressing common European challenges in animal health, veterinary matters and food safety. The next meeting will take place in September in Ireland.