Animal diseases, zoonoses and sustainable EU livestock

Scope and Objectives

On Friday 11 September, from 11:30 to 13:00 CEST, the European Economic and Social Committee is hosting a debate on managing animal diseases and zoonoses. It will focus on how the EU’s livestock sector can be made more resilient and sustainable in the face of the triple planetary crisis, changes in the international trade regime, and societal expectations.

The discussion touch on various issues within the animal health policy landscape, including:

• The EU’s readiness for future animal and One Health challenges, including climate-driven disease risks;
• Measures and instruments to support a resilient and sustainable European livestock sector
• How to reconcile risk management in animal health and value chain resilience with public confidence and communication
• How the livestock and meat trade sectors can contribute to containing animal diseases and zoonoses and limiting trade disruptions
• How preserving biodiversity and protecting the environment can limit the risks of zoonoses

The debate will include contributions from EESC Members, as well as representatives of the European Commission, research centres, social partners, and environmental organisations.

🎬 The event will be web-streamed live on our website. ✅ No registration required.

🔊 Interpretation available in EN, FR and DE.

Context

This debate is being held in relation to the EESC’s exploratory opinion on the Sustainable Livestock Strategy 2026, requested by the Irish Presidency and adopted on 16 July 2026.

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