According to data published on the website of the Consumers, Health, Agriculture and Food Executive Agency, between 2010 and 2018, several millions of euros in promotional funding were awarded to consortia of pork producers operating in countries that do not enforce Directive 2008/120/EC concerning the ban on the routine tail docking of pigs. In 2018, audits carried out by the Directorate of Health and Food Audits and Analysis and a report on animal welfare published by the Court of Auditors confirmed that some countries have been failing to enforce the directive.

In May 2018, the Intergroup on the Welfare and Conservation of Animals brought that inconsistency to the attention of Commissioner Hogan in a letter asking for urgent corrective measures. In his reply from July 2018 (2932921/2018), the Commissioner stated that ‘applicants have to check the relevant box while submitting the online application’ to show that they do not fulfil any of the exclusion criteria.

1. Can the Commission clarify what mechanisms are in place to punish false declarations of compliance with eligibility criteria?

2. What measures will the Commission take to prevent the further allocation of public funds to consortia of pig producers that demonstrably violate Directive 2008/120/EC concerning the ban on routine tail docking?