This is an informal meeting of the Working Party on Animals and Veterinary Questions (Chief Veterinary Officers) attended by delegates from EU Member States as well as representatives from the European Commission. It is a technical preparatory body made up of senior veterinary officials - typically the Chief Veterinary Officers from each Member State.
The Working Party’s tasks include examining animal health and welfare legislation, discussion of veterinary public health issues, coordination of animal disease outbreaks and reviewing import/export rules for animals and animal products.
This group operates below the ministerial level and helps prepare decisions for the Agriculture and Fisheries Council, where national ministers take formal decisions. The group is important as it shapes EU-wide animal health and welfare policy, helps ensure safe food supply chains, and coordinates cross-border disease prevention.