Zelensky Signed a Law on Harmonizing Veterinary Standards with the EU
President Volodymyr Zelensky has signed a new law aimed at adapting Ukrainian legislation in the fields of veterinary medicine and animal welfare to the requirements of the European Union. Document No. 4718-IX, adopted by the Verkhovna Rada on December 16, 2025, provides for a number of changes to modernize regulation in these areas.
This is reported by AgroReview
Key Changes in Legislation
The law provides for significant improvements in the mechanisms for financing veterinary and sanitary measures aimed at disease prevention and the preservation of animal health. Special attention is given to strengthening state control in the production, registration, circulation, and use of veterinary medicinal products. New requirements for licensing veterinary practice are also introduced, and the production, wholesale, and retail sale of veterinary products must comply with current licensing legislation.
Among the important innovations is the implementation of European animal welfare standards concerning the conditions of keeping, transporting, and slaughtering agricultural animals.
Euro-Integration Step for Ukraine
The new law adapts Ukrainian veterinary legislation to EU standards, including digital registration of veterinary medicinal products and pharmacovigilance, regulation of feed and feed additives, as well as defining modern standards for agricultural animals. A particular emphasis is placed on strengthening the epizootic situation and preventing the spread of diseases among animals.
“The law is an important step in euro-integration and creates a legal basis for the comprehensive implementation of European approaches in the field of animal health and welfare and the circulation of veterinary medicinal products,” the statement said.
The implementation of these changes is intended to ensure that Ukrainian practices align with European standards, which will contribute to the development of veterinary medicine and enhance the level of animal protection in Ukraine.