Here is a detailed description of the provisions of the act you provided:
**1. Essence of the Act:**
This Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/97 amends Annex I to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/594, which lays down special disease control measures for African swine fever (ASF). The amendment involves updating the lists of restricted zones (I, II, and III) within certain Member States due to recent outbreaks and changes in the epidemiological situation of ASF. The goal is to adjust the geographical boundaries of these zones to reflect the current risk levels and prevent the further spread of the disease.
**2. Structure and Main Provisions:**
* **Title:** Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/97 of 9 January 2026 amending Annex I to Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/594 laying down special disease control measures for African swine fever.
* **Legal Basis:** The regulation is based on the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union and Regulation (EU) 2016/429 (“Animal Health Law”), specifically Article 71(3).
* **Recitals:** These provide the background and justification for the changes, referencing the impact of ASF, the existing control measures, and the need to adapt these measures based on the evolving epidemiological situation in Latvia and Lithuania.
* **Article 1:** This article directly amends Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/594 by replacing Annex I with the new text provided in the Annex to this regulation.
* **Article 2:** Specifies that the regulation will enter into force on the day following its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.
* **Annex:** This is the core of the amendment, containing the updated list of restricted zones I, II, and III for various Member States, including Germany, Estonia, Latvia, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, Italy, Czechia, Greece and Croatia. The changes specifically redefine the zones for Latvia and Lithuania.
**Changes Compared to Previous Versions:**
The regulation modifies the restricted zones in Annex I of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/594, particularly concerning Latvia and Lithuania. These changes are based on new outbreaks of African swine fever in kept porcine animals in Augšdaugavas county in Latvia and Šiauliai county in Lithuania. The areas previously listed as restricted zone II in these regions are now listed as restricted zone III, and the boundaries of zones II and III are redefined to account for the new outbreaks.
**3. Main Provisions Important for Use:**
* **Geographical Scope:** The updated Annex I provides a detailed listing of specific regions, counties, and municipalities within Member States that are designated as restricted zones I, II, or III. This is crucial for determining which areas are subject to specific disease control measures.
* **Zoning Implications:** The designation of a zone (I, II, or III) dictates the level of restrictions and control measures that apply. This includes regulations on the movement of live pigs, pork products, and other related activities.
* **Compliance:** Member States and stakeholders (farmers, transporters, etc.) must comply with the measures applicable to the zones in which they operate. This requires careful attention to the updated maps and descriptions in Annex I.
* **Entry into Force:** The immediate entry into force emphasizes the urgency of these measures and the need for swift implementation by Member States.
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The regulation has implications for Ukraine, as African Swine Fever is a concern in Eastern European countries. The measures outlined in the regulation aim to prevent the spread of the disease within the EU, which indirectly protects neighboring countries like Ukraine by reducing the risk of ASF transmission across borders. Ukrainians residing or working in the affected zones within the EU should be aware of the restrictions and comply with the regulations to prevent further spread of the disease.
