Albania cannot export products of animal origin to the European Union. Although we have been part of the Free Trade Agreement for more than three decades, our country does not meet the conditions to sell meat and its by-products to the 27 countries of the Union.
"As long as we do not provide the European consumer with the standards that the EU has set, as long as we still receive funds to manage safety, countries have decided not to have animal products from these countries," says Sokol Stafa.
The main reason for this limitation is the lack of traceability in animal products, while the livestock registration process has not yet been completed.
Product certification experts say that in a way, this blockade raises the question of whether the local meat we consume is safe or not.
"Product certification experts say that in a way, this blockade raises the question of whether the local meat we consume is safe or not. We need to create a reliable infrastructure for our consumers. As long as there is talk of scandals, our consumers are still on top. The structure that should guarantee safety is not very reliable," adds Stafa.
Another problem that has led to the European Union's refusal to import meat from Albania is the lack of farm registration and the use of often uncontrolled medications. (A2 Televizion)