The EU no longer sees cows as a threat to the climate. Now they are part of European security

Just a few years ago, the European Union viewed livestock farming primarily as one of the main sources of greenhouse gas emissions. It accounts for about two-thirds of all agricultural emissions in the EU, and pastures and fodder crops occupy almost a third of agricultural land.

Measures to reduce livestock numbers were discussed in a number of countries. In the Netherlands, after court rulings that obliged authorities to reduce nitrogen compound emissions, a program to buy out farms began to be developed, which could lead to a significant reduction in the number of animals. Ireland also considered the possibility of reducing the cattle population to meet climate obligations.

For many European farmers, these plans, along with restrictions on methane emissions, pesticide use, and other environmental regulations, became a symbol of policies threatening the very future of their farms. Mass protests that swept across Europe in 2024–2025 forced Brussels to reconsider its approach.

New strategy

The strategy for livestock development presented by the European Commission now indicates a fundamental change in priorities. Instead of talking about the need to reduce livestock numbers, Brussels calls livestock farming the foundation of food security, economic stability, and even Europe's strategic autonomy.

According to the European Commission, the industry provides about seven million jobs, generates products worth approximately 400 billion euros per year, and maintains a positive foreign trade balance.

Brussels notes that the main threat is now different: livestock numbers are gradually decreasing, and empty agricultural lands, "especially on the eastern border, are a risk factor for security."

Instead of bans — incentives

The new strategy does not propose new requirements to reduce livestock, taxes on agricultural emissions, or other strict restrictions.

On the contrary, the European Commission is betting on investments and technologies. According to its estimates, the industry needs about 18 billion euros to modernize. It also plans to support the use of new feed additives, the improvement of animal breeds, and other technologies that reduce emissions.

Brussels also does not call on Europeans to consume less meat and dairy products. On the contrary, they plan to promote them through school meals, public procurement, and information campaigns.

Павялічыць

Not everyone agrees

The European Commission's approach to accounting for methane emissions has caused some controversy. This gas traps significantly more heat than carbon dioxide but decomposes within a decade, while CO2 persists for centuries.

Lobbyists for the sector's development argue that a stable livestock population adds virtually no new warming, and traditional calculation methods overestimate its impact. Global leaders in dairy and beef production, Ireland and New Zealand, are actively promoting this position internationally.

The new EU strategy effectively takes their side. The answer to the methane problem is not the introduction of limits, but a project to measure it: emissions will be recorded at the level of each farm to reward those farmers who use special feed additives or breed animals with lower emission levels.

The document also uses the term "biogenic methane," emphasizing that this gas is part of the natural carbon cycle, not a result of burning fossil fuels. The European Commission claims that it is merely about a more accurate scientific approach to assessing emissions.

Environmental organizations oppose this approach. More than thirty environmental organizations, including Greenpeace and the European Environmental Bureau, called on the European Commission in June to not downplay the role of livestock farming in climate change. They cite studies showing that methane heats the atmosphere equally, regardless of whether it comes from cows or gas pipelines.

The EU's scientific advisors on climate issues also criticize the strategy. They believe that technological solutions alone will not be enough, and without a gradual reduction in livestock numbers, it will be difficult for the European Union to achieve its climate goals.

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