Brussels, 20 December 2017; AnimalhealthEurope is pleased to see the European Council receive the mandate to enter into trilogue negotiations with the Commission and the Parliament to agree on the final text of the new EU Veterinary Medicines and Medicated Feed Regulations, the most importance piece of legislation for the animal medicines industry in Europe.
“With a serious need for improved availability of animal medicines in the EU identified as one of main objectives, we have been closely monitoring the evolution of this dossier through the legislative process since the draft was first published in 2014. We applaud the Estonian Presidency’s efforts to move swiftly and efficiently to adapt the Council’s proposal and welcome future efforts from the Bulgarian Presidency to initiate the trilogue process. We particularly look forward to seeing future tripartite discussions address issues related to harmonising key documentation and reducing administrative burden. By establishing science-based and proportionate legislation, the objectives of fostering innovation, ensuring the optimal availability of veterinary medicines for all animals across the EU, and addressing the risk for antibiotic resistance can more realistically be achieved,” said Roxane Feller, AnimalhealthEurope Secretary General.
“Overhauling this piece of legislation - an opportunity that only comes every 10 years or so – has been a lengthy process, but it is essential that what is delivered in the end is entirely future-proof, not only for Europe’s animals, farmers and pet owners, but also for the health of its citizens, its countryside, and for the European agri-food sector,” concluded Ms. Feller.