Greek MEP Arvanitis urges EU Commission to apply exemption rules for Lesbos foot-and-mouth crisis

Kostas Arvanitis, a Greek MEP and LEFT vice-president, submitted a written question to the European Commission concerning the foot-and-mouth disease that has devastated livestock on Lesbos. He noted that prolonged restrictions have caused major economic damage, threatening local breeds such as the Lesbos sheep. Referring to EU Regulation 2020/687 and its amendment 2026/322, Arvanitis asked whether Greek officials have considered exemptions that would waive mandatory culling for genetically valuable animals and relax movement bans in protected zones.

He also sought clarification on the use of article 56, which permits additional flexibilities when restrictions are extended. Finally, the MEP requested details on the criteria that would allow the transport of animals from non-infected farms to slaughterhouses and the sale of fresh meat, and whether Greece has consulted the Commission on these points.