The European Association of Livestock Markets (AEMB) was created on 14th June 1983. Today it brings together 6 national federations representing 359 livestock markets. These markets are responsible for the sale (by auction or private treaty) of over 22 million head of cattle, sheep, pigs, and horses. Livestock markets are an important link in the meat chain, between the farmer, the traders and the slaughterhouse. In this document, we would like to share with you our vision of the role of livestock markets and the opportunity they represent for the new European policy guidelines.