The next European Commissioner for Health and Animal Welfare has said that advancing new legislation on welfare in animal transport is one of his priorities.

Hungary’s Oliver Varhelyi had his confirmation hearing with MEPs yesterday (Wednesday, November 6).

The hearing covered both parts of his portfolio, and the animal welfare aspect was not neglected, despite controversial questions from MEPs relating to the stances that the current government of Varhelyi’s native country has taken on several social and political issues.

When asked what he would do to advance animal welfare while in office, he indicated that he would make the proposed changes to animal welfare legislation a priority, and also highlighted the importance of enforcing the regulations as they currently are.

“I think there is not only the challenge of passing the legislative proposals on the animal transport – because I want to get that done, and for me it’s going to be a priority – but it is equally important to enforce the current rules,” Varhelyi said.

During its five-year term, the outgoing European Commission proposed several changes to EU animal transport rules.

Among these was a requirement that calves be a minimum age of five weeks, and minimum weight 50kg (for unweaned calves), before they are transported.

There will also be a journey of nine hours maximum for animals transported for slaughter under these proposals, among several other restrictions.

At yesterday’s hearing, Varhelyi also said he wanted to achieve a “balance” that would allow farmers to continue to produce food.

“If confirmed as commissioner I will play particular attention to designing a balanced approach on animal welfare, aiming to find solutions that respond to citizens expectations, and which are also economically and financially viable for farmers and which do not hinder their competitiveness,” he said.

“Ensuring the same standards not just across the EU but vis-a-vis third countries on animal welfare is important and requires consistent implementation, and I will continue to promote high animal welfare standards at the international level,” he added.

“I will launch a full, inclusive consultation process that involves all relevant stakeholders, building on the report from the Strategic Dialogue on the Future of Agriculture. I will work with the Commissioner of Agriculture to include animal welfare in the future vision of agriculture and food.”

“I would act on food waste and work to make food production and consumption more sustainable for our citizens. I would also want to strengthen the implementation and enforcement of our world leading food safety standards, including for imported foods,” Varhelyi said.

He also said that he recognised the part played by pesticides in food production.

I am also aware that pesticides are an essential part of the toolbox for farmers to protect their crops. Increasing the availability of viable alternatives is vital to reduce the use of chemical pesticides,” he said.

Varhelyi added: “Where appropriate, I intend to consider very carefully the availability of alternatives in the context of the decision making process on the approval and renewal of pesticides. I am also committed to increasing the availability of alternatives such as biopesticides, by fostering their access to market.”