Recent EFTBA Delegation to Brussels Update EFTBA Delegation to Brussels 22nd February 2019
EFTBA Chairman Joe Hernon led a delegation to Brussels on Thursday 21st February to highlight the concerns of the European Thoroguhbred Industry as the date for the UK to leave the EU looms. The European bloodstock industry contributes in excess of €100M to the EU economy with c€800M worth of thoroughbred sold annually. Approximately 220,000 people are employed in the European equine industry.
The delegation included Hubert Honore and Paul Marie Gadit of France, Andreas Tiedtke of Germany, Giovanna Romano of Italy and Des Leadon, EFTBA Veterinary Consultant along with Michael Treacy, EU Lobbyist.
During the delegation visit, EFTBA representatives had meetings and engagements with many senior EU officials including EU Commissioner for Agriculture Phil Hogan, Dr Alf Fussel, Directorate General on Animal Heatlh as well as David Bruck, Donal O'Donnell, Tom Tynan and Bernard Van Goethem.
During the series of meetings over the two days the EFTBA raised the many issies and concerns facing EU thoroughbred breeders as a result of the uncertainty surround BREXIT, which includes free movement and transporatin of thoroughbred post BREXIT
A hard BREXIT or a no-deal BREXIT could cause increased paperwork for breeders due to the possibilty of border inspection posts coming into effect for horses entering the EU. However, should a deal be reached, it would facilitate a two-year transitioning period which would allow for negotiations to reach a successful outcome for all concerned.
Commenting on the delegation vistit to Brussels, EFTBA Chariman Joe Hernon said " The visit proved to be informative. The EU Commussion and the respective Departments of Agriculture appear to be well versed in our needs and desires to continue international trade"