The European Livestock and Meat Trades Union (UECBV) held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) from 14th to 16th October 2025, in Brussels, Belgium. This event gathered UECBV members from across Europe to discuss how the meat, livestock, and trade sectors can contribute to food security, enhance resilience, and remain competitive in a changing world.

Over the course of two days, the event featured multiple sessions focused on climate, trade, and animal health and welfare. EU officials from DGs AGRI, CLIMA, SANTE and TRADE presented the current situation and engaged in discussions with AGM delegates.

The UECBV President, Mr Roland Ackermann, opened the AGM Public Session by emphasising the importance of collaboration to strengthen Europe’s agri-food value chain. The meeting concluded with a keynote address by Mr Pierre Bascou, Deputy Director-General of DG AGRI at the European Commission, on the theme “Making European Livestock Great: Boosting Food Security, Resilience, and Competitive Edge!”. In his speech, Mr Bascou underscored the vital role of the European livestock sector in ensuring a stable food supply and supporting rural communities, particularly in light of geopolitical uncertainties, climate pressures, and changing market dynamics.

Mr Bascou also emphasised the importance of collaboration among policymakers, farmers, and industry to ensure that the agricultural sector remains both environmentally and economically sustainable. He noted that Europe must maintain its high production standards while ensuring fair competition and supporting producers during the green transition.

In a lively discussion session, UECBV members and partners raised issues such as market stability, regulatory coherence, international competitiveness, and public communication. The discussion showcased a collective determination to address these challenges openly and constructively.

Dr Zeev Noga, the new Secretary General of UECBV, closed the event by pointing out the organisation's role as a platform for dialogue between the sector and European institutions. He emphasised that ensuring resilience requires both a strategic vision and ongoing collaboration across the supply chain.

A big thank you goes to Alimentaria InterCarn, a long-time partner of UECBV, for their support of the event.