Notification by the Netherlands of a ban on the use of electric livestock prods on animals in livestock farming

Question for written answer E-002138/2025 to the Commission Rule 144 Bert-Jan Ruissen (ECR) Subject: Notification by the Netherlands of a ban on the use of electric livestock prods on animals in livestock farming On 4 February 2025, the Dutch Government notified the Commission of its intention to ban the use of electric livestock prods on animals in livestock farming (notification number 2025/0066/NL). Due to EU legislation, the ban cannot apply in slaughterhouses (Regulation (EC) 1099/2009), in international transport (Regulation (EC) 1/2005) or with regard to veterinary use. This creates an unlevel playing field and confusion. In accordance with the notification procedure under Directive (EU) 2015/1535, the Commission may block this proposed ban for a period of 12 to 18 months if harmonisation at EU level in the policy area concerned is planned or already under way. As the Animal Transport Regulation is currently being revised (2023/0488/COD), that is indeed the case. 1. Does the Commission intend to block the proposed ban on the ground that, since the Animal Transport Regulation is being revised, EU harmonisation in the same policy area is already under way? 2. Does the Commission agree that, were this proposed ban to come into force, there would be significant distortion of the EU internal market? 3. Is the Commission prepared to respond to the submissions made by various stakeholders in connection with the notification? Submitted: 28.5.2025 PE774.843v01-00