Informal meeting of chief veterinary officers in Ireland

18. 9. 2026

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

On 15 – 17 September 2026, the Slovenian delegation participated in the informal meeting of chief veterinary officers (CVOs) of the EU Member States in Kilkenny, Ireland. Held under the Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union, the meeting focused on current challenges in animal health and welfare, biosecurity and preparedness for cross-border risks.

Meeting participants are seated at tables arranged in a U-shape in a large conference hall. Laptops, documents, and microphones are placed on the tables, while several screens are positioned in the center of the room. — Author Administration for Food Safety, Veterinary Sector and Plant Protection

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Special focus was on risk-communication at the times of animal disease outbreaks and other critical events. Participants highlighted the importance of timely, transparent and harmonised communication between the competent authorities, and an ever-greater impact of social media and disinformation. Discussed were the experiences of the Member States in exercising biosafety at contact points between the free-living and domestic animals and, inter alia, in combating tuberculosis and other diseases, where the mutual cooperation of the veterinary services, animal keepers, hunters and other involved parties is of crucial importance.

An important part in discussions was dedicated to further developing the EU animal health system, including the evaluation of the EU animal health legislation. The European Commission expressed its commitment to continued work on improving the implementation of the rules, and on enhancing the flexibility and preparedness for new challenges. Slovenia welcomed the constructive approach of the Commission and highlighted the importance of further involvement of the Member States in striving after practical and feasible solutions.

Participants further discussed biological threats, the significance of preparedness of veterinary services, intersectoral cooperation, and information exchange between the competent authorities. The activities of the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), the future development of its governance, and participation of the EU Member States in professional structures of WOAH were also part of the agenda.

On the margins of the meeting, Slovenia presented an initiative to strengthen regional veterinary cooperation among Central European countries. The aim of the initiative is to improve information exchange and practical cooperation in cases of cross-border animal diseases, strengthen preparedness for disease outbreaks and promote inter-institutional collaboration, including on issues such as the vaccine banks. The next meeting is scheduled to be hosted by Slovenia in Ljubljana in January 2027.