Tear gas used as Romanian sheep farmers force barriers at Bucharest protest over export ban

Background of the crisis

Romania was until recently the dominant supplier of live sheep to the Middle East and North Africa, covering more than 70% of the import needs of Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Libya. That position collapsed after the first outbreak of peste des petits ruminants (PPR) was detected two years ago at a commercial farm in Tulcea county, where nearly 50,000 sheep were held. The virus spread through illegal trade and poor biosecurity, with authorities unable to contain it. In June 2026, aggressive new outbreaks appeared in Mureș county, a region previously considered safe and a key hub for Transylvanian breeders. The European Commission responded by banning all exports of live sheep and goats from Romania until 31 December 2026, covering both intra-EU and third-country shipments. Farmers estimate that contracts worth over 300 million euros were in place for this year alone, and the sudden halt has pushed many operations to the edge of bankruptcy.

The protest and clashes

On the morning of 30 July 2026, between 5,000 and 6,500 farmers gathered outside the ANSVSA headquarters in Bucharest, according to organisers. The protest was backed by the Sheep Union and several regional associations. Around 09:45, a group of demonstrators forced the metal barriers and threw blunt objects at the gendarme cordon. The Gendarmerie said in a statement that officers first appealed for calm, then used individual irritant-lacrimogen spray when some protesters refused to comply and continued pressing against the security perimeter.

“Some of the participants refused to follow the recommendations of the law enforcement forces and exerted pressure on the gendarme cordon, which is why the individual spray with irritant-lacrimogen substance was used.”

One farmer at the scene voiced broader frustration with the veterinary authority.

“This country must be run with added value. We shepherds bring added value to Romania, we do not bring destruction. Where is the prevention? In Ceaușescu's time there was prevention. Where is the prevention? Money was given for prevention, we contribute, where is our money? We have no pensions, no salaries, nothing.”

Demands and grievances

The protesters' central demand is the resignation of ANSVSA president Alexandru Bociu, whom they hold responsible for the handling of the PPR crisis. They also want the immediate resumption of exports from counties free of epidemiological problems, full compensation for economic losses, payment of PPR-related damages within 30 days, state-funded anthrax vaccination, protection of farms against wildlife attacks, and measures to improve the sector's competitiveness. The Sheep Union stressed that the protest does not signal a break from its usual institutional approach but reflects an exceptional situation.

“The current situation is, however, exceptional. The blocking of exports, the accumulated economic losses and the lack of a clear perspective on the resumption of trade endanger the continuity of farms and the incomes of families that depend on animal husbandry.”

What happens next

After the incident, the situation calmed but gendarmes remained on standby. The farmers planned to stay in front of ANSVSA until early afternoon, then march to the Government building in Piața Victoriei, where they intended to remain into the evening. Authorities say they are continuing negotiations with the European Commission and Middle Eastern states to allow exports from unaffected areas, but no immediate breakthrough has been announced.