This Week in Agri-Food — Brussels (#29, 2026)
ASF emergency control: Implementing Reg. 2026/1961; Avian influenza: Decisions 2026/1958, 2026/1959; Dairy/fish products import rules revised; Sheep/goat pox: Actions in Bulgaria and Romania.
August 24, 2026 to August 30, 2026
ASF emergency control: Implementing Reg. 2026/1961; Avian influenza: Decisions 2026/1958, 2026/1959; Dairy/fish products import rules revised; Sheep/goat pox: Actions in Bulgaria and Romania.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 📅 This Week's Calendar in Brussels
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
• 🤝 EU Council
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week
This Week's Calendar in Brussels
- Informal meeting of agriculture ministers: On September 06, the EU Council's Informal meeting of agriculture ministers configuration is scheduled to hold an informal meeting ministerial meeting in Brussels.
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
African Swine Fever: Emergency Disease Control Zones and Measures Updated
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1961 of 24 August 2026 amends Annexes I and II to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/594, establishing new special disease control measures for African swine fever (ASF) in Bulgaria, Hungary, Italy, Poland, and Finland. The regulation updates restricted zones following outbreaks in August 2026, including increased risk areas now classified as restricted zones III in Hungary, Bulgaria, and Poland, and new zones in Italy. The infected zone in Finland’s Kymenlaakso region, following the first outbreak in a previously disease-free area, is also added. The regulation repeals Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/1937, aligning control measures under Regulation (EU) 2016/429 and Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/687. The changes take effect immediately across all Member States.
Import Conditions: Dairy, Fishery, and Mollusc Products – Entry Requirements Adjusted
Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/1304 of 12 June 2026 amends Delegated Regulation (EU) 2022/2292, updating requirements for the entry into the Union of certain dairy products, fishery products, and bivalve molluscs, echinoderms, tunicates, and marine gastropods. Changes include the addition of new Combined Nomenclature (CN) and Harmonised System (HS) codes, aligning import provisions with Regulation (EC) No 853/2004 and ensuring consistency in official controls. The regulation also clarifies additional requirements regarding pharmacologically active substances and residues, and certificate needs, particularly for products originating from on-land establishments. The new rules enter into force twenty days after publication.
Sheep and Goat Pox: Emergency Measures Expanded in Bulgaria
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/1955 of 19 August 2026 amends Implementing Decision (EU) 2025/1160, extending emergency measures for sheep pox and goat pox in Bulgaria. Following two outbreaks in Haskovo and Kyustendil, new protection and surveillance zones are established, and the duration of control measures in restricted areas is revised. The measures, based on Article 259(1) of Regulation (EU) 2016/429 and Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/687, also align with international standards from the World Organisation for Animal Health.
Sheep and Goat Pox: Additional Emergency Measures in Romania
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/1956 of 20 August 2026 amends Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/1108 to address five new outbreaks of sheep pox and goat pox in Romania, impacting the counties of Constanța, Tulcea, Vâlcea, and Gorj. The decision adjusts the list and duration of protection, surveillance, and further restricted zones, reflecting updated national notifications. Control actions are enacted under Regulation (EU) 2016/429 and Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/687.
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza: Emergency Measures for Member States Updated
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/1958 of 21 August 2026 amends the Annex to Implementing Decision (EU) 2023/2447, following an outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Tanum Municipality, Sweden. Protection and surveillance zones are established in line with Regulation (EU) 2016/429 and Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/687. The decision aims to maintain disease control and prevent trade disruptions within the Union.
Avian Influenza: Import Rules for Poultry and Game Birds from US and Canada Modified
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1959 of 21 August 2026 amends Annexes V and XIV to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/404 regarding the entry into the Union of poultry and germinal products, and fresh meat of poultry and game birds from Canada and the United States. Following new outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in South Dakota, US, imports from affected zones are suspended, while previous restrictions in Canada and the US are lifted where the situation has improved. Corrections are made to prior listings to ensure accurate trade measures.
Fisheries: Discard Obligation for Blue Marlin, White Marlin, and Roundscale Spearfish
Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/1342 of 17 June 2026 amends Delegated Regulation (EU) 2015/98 to implement ICCAT Recommendation 25-06, permitting the discarding of blue marlin, white marlin, and roundscale spearfish catches once Member State quotas are reached. This derogation from Article 15(1) of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013 aligns Union law with international fisheries obligations.
EU-Lebanon: PRIMA Research and Innovation Cooperation Agreement Enters into Force
The Agreement between the EU and the Republic of Lebanon, amending the scientific and technological cooperation terms for Lebanon's participation in the Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA), entered into force on 17 June 2026. Published in OJ L 2026/1951 on 24 August 2026, this international agreement sets legal conditions for collaborative research activities.
EU Council
Agriculture and Fisheries Council: Upcoming Informal Ministerial
An informal meeting of Agriculture Ministers under the Agriculture and Fisheries Council is scheduled for 6 September 2026.
What We're Reading This Week
- 'Combining an organic and more plant-based diet benefits both our health and the environment': Adopting a diet rich in organic and plant
