A potential EU-UK sanitary and phytosanitary agreement

Question for written answer E-000546/2026
to the Commission
Rule 144
Kathleen Funchion (The Left)

The Commission is currently in discussions with its British counterparts on a potential sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) agreement.

As the Commission will be aware, the absence of an SPS agreement has caused a severe and sustained disruption to the cross-border movement of live zoo and safari animals.

Data from the Species360 Zoological Information Management System reveals that annual transfers between Britain and the EU plummeted by over 80 % from a pre-2021 average of 1 400 to just 265 in 2023, with 2025 numbers reaching only 30 % of previous levels.

This has the potential to severely disrupt the conservation of endangered species.

Can the Commission offer reassurances that it will ensure the transport of zoo and safari animals will make up the negotiations it is having with Britain in relation to coming to a potential SPS Agreement?

Submitted: 10.2.2026