Here’s a breakdown of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/1924:
**1. Essence of the Act:**
This regulation amends Annex I of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/594, which outlines special disease control measures for African swine fever (ASF). The amendment involves updating the lists and boundaries of restricted zones (I, II, and III) within specific Member States based on recent ASF outbreaks and improvements in the epidemiological situation. This aims to manage and prevent the further spread of the disease within the Union.
**2. Structure and Main Provisions:**
* **Title:** Clearly states the purpose: amending Annex I of Regulation (EU) 2023/594 concerning ASF control measures.
* **Legal Basis:** Cites the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union and Regulation (EU) 2016/429 (‘Animal Health Law’), specifically Article 71(3), which empowers the Commission to adopt such measures.
* **Recitals:** These provide the reasoning and context for the changes:
* Acknowledges the impact of ASF on pig populations and trade.
* Refers to the existing Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/594 and its provisions for establishing restricted zones.
* Notes previous amendments and the need for further adjustments due to new outbreaks and improvements.
* Emphasizes the importance of basing zoning decisions on epidemiological data, scientific principles, and international standards.
* Details specific outbreaks in Croatia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland, leading to increased risk and the need to redefine restricted zones.
* Highlights improvements in Czechia, Germany, Italy and Latvia, allowing for the delisting or downgrading of certain zones.
* Mentions the consideration of epidemiological situations in surrounding areas when demarcating new zones.
* Stresses the urgency for the regulation to take effect quickly due to the dynamic nature of ASF.
* **Article 1:** Replaces Annex I of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/594 with the new text as set out in the Annex to this regulation.
* **Article 2:** Specifies that the regulation enters into force the day after its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.
* **Annex:** Contains the updated list of restricted zones I, II, and III for various Member States.
**Changes Compared to Previous Versions:**
The regulation modifies the restricted zones listed in Annex I of Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/594. These changes include:
* **Upgrading zones:** Areas in Croatia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland are moved from lower-risk zones (I or II) to higher-risk zones (III or II) due to new outbreaks.
* **Delisting zones:** Areas in Czechia, Germany, and Italy are removed from the list of restricted zones due to the absence of ASF outbreaks for a specified period.
* **Downgrading zones:** Areas in Czechia, Germany, Italy and Latvia are moved from higher-risk zones to lower-risk zones due to improvements in the epidemiological situation.
* **Redefining boundaries:** The geographical boundaries of existing restricted zones are adjusted to reflect the current ASF situation.
**3. Main Provisions Important for Use:**
* **Annex I:** This is the core of the regulation. It provides the updated lists of restricted zones I, II, and III for specific Member States. It is crucial for anyone involved in the movement of live pigs, pork products, or related activities to consult this annex to determine if their location or destination is within a restricted zone.
* **Restricted Zone Definitions:** The regulation refers to restricted zones I, II and III. These zones are defined in Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/594, which lays down specific disease control measures that apply in each zone.
* **Entry into Force:** The regulation takes effect immediately after publication, so it’s essential to be aware of the changes as soon as possible.
**** This regulation has implications for Ukraine, as African Swine Fever is a significant concern in Eastern Europe, and the measures outlined in the regulation are designed to prevent its spread, which could indirectly affect trade and animal health in neighboring countries like Ukraine.
