Romanian sheep farmers protest after EU bans live animal exports until 2026
Romania, the EU's second-largest sheep holder, faces a ban on live sheep and goat exports until the end of 2026, prompting farmers to demonstrate in Bucharest.
Romania holds the EU's second-largest flock of sheep and goats, but a new EU decision bars the export of live animals from the country through 31 December 2026 to prevent the spread of scrapie and other ruminant diseases. Officials had projected a substantial increase in export earnings for 2026, which farmers now see jeopardised. On 15 September, shepherds assembled in Bucharest's Piața Victoriei, voicing anger over the export freeze, animal culling and compensation issues.
The demonstration escalated into clashes with police; the gendarmerie reported 47 detainees, ten officers wounded, four of whom required hospital care, fifteen fines issued and two special-purpose vehicles damaged. Protesters continue to press for the suspension of the ban and a solution to resume trade.
Why it matters
The export ban threatens a major agricultural sector and has sparked unrest among Romanian farmers.
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