Date: 2025-06-20Category: Not ApplicableState: Union GovernmentCountry: Europe
Commission Delegated Directive (EU) 2025/1223 of 10 April 2025 amending Directive 2005/36/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the minimum training requirements for the profession of veterinary surgeon
## Report on Commission Delegated Directive (EU) 2025/1223 Amending Directive 2005/36/EC Regarding Veterinary Surgeon Training
**1. Executive Summary:**
This report analyzes Commission Delegated Directive (EU) 2025/1223, an amendment to Directive 2005/36/EC concerning the recognition of professional qualifications, specifically focusing on the minimum training requirements for veterinary surgeons. The amendment updates Article 38 and Annex V of the original directive to reflect scientific and technical advancements and to ensure veterinary training aligns with current EU law and best practices. Key changes include updated knowledge and skill requirements, specifically incorporating the One Health concept, digital technologies, and interpersonal skills, as well as revisions to the study program subjects. The intended outcome is to modernize veterinary training, ensuring veterinary surgeons possess the competencies necessary to address contemporary challenges in animal health, public health, and food safety.
**2. Introduction:**
This report provides an informative overview of Commission Delegated Directive (EU) 2025/1223, which amends Directive 2005/36/EC regarding the minimum training requirements for the profession of veterinary surgeon. The analysis is based solely on the provided text of the amending directive.
**3. Policy Overview:**
* This report concerns an amendment to Directive 2005/36/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 7 September 2005 on the recognition of professional qualifications.
* **Core Objective(s):** The core objective, as inferred from the text, is to update and modernize the harmonized minimum training requirements for veterinary surgeons to reflect scientific and technical progress, the evolution of EU law, and the changing demands of the profession. The amendment aims to ensure that veterinary training programs adequately prepare professionals for contemporary challenges in animal health, public health, and related fields.
**4. Background and Rationale:**
This amendment addresses the need to modernize the minimum training requirements for veterinary surgeons, initially harmonized under Directive 2005/36/EC. While Directive 2013/55/EU reviewed some aspects, the study program subjects listed in Annex V of Directive 2005/36/EC were not substantially changed. The amendment is motivated by the recognition that scientific and technical advancements, as well as the evolution of EU law, necessitate updates to ensure veterinary surgeons possess the knowledge, skills, and competences required to effectively practice their profession. Stakeholder input and a study analyzing training programs in Member States and EFTA States highlighted areas where existing training requirements were insufficient.
**5. Key Provisions / Changes:**
This directive introduces changes to Article 38 and Annex V of Directive 2005/36/EC. Specifically:
* **Article 38, paragraph 3:** This section is replaced to update the knowledge and skills required of a trained veterinary surgeon. The changes include:
* Explicit inclusion of knowledge of EU law related to the activities of a veterinary surgeon.
* Emphasis on husbandry, feeding, welfare, reproduction and hygiene of animals.
* Requirements for competencies to assess and manage pain, safely perform aseptic surgery, sedation, anaesthesia and euthanasia.
* Explicit inclusion of competences relating to biosecurity, inquiries and certification.
* Clarification of skills needed to understand and explain good practices for feedstuffs and foodstuffs of animal origin.
* Emphasis on the responsible use of veterinary medicinal products and the protection of the environment.
* Explicit inclusion of the "One Health" concept.
* Emphasis on interpersonal and interprofessional interaction, communication, teamworking and multidisciplinary collaboration.
* Explicit inclusion of data management, information technology and digital technologies.
* **Annex V, point 5.4.1:** This section is replaced to update the study program for veterinary surgeons. The changes involve a restructured and expanded list of subjects including:
* Addition of "Biomathematics" to basic subjects.
* Explicit inclusion of "antimicrobial resistance" to pharmacy, pharmacology and pharmacotherapy.
* Explicit inclusion of "Diagnostic imaging" and "Reproduction and reproductive disorders" to clinical sciences.
* The addition of "Agronomy" to animal production.
The *difference* or *effect* of these changes is a more comprehensive and modern training program that equips veterinary surgeons with the necessary skills and knowledge to address current challenges, including those related to public health, animal welfare, and technological advancements.
**6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:**
The primary target audience and stakeholders are:
* **Veterinary surgeons:** The amendments directly impact their training and professional qualifications.
* **Academic institutions and training providers:** These institutions must adapt their curricula to meet the updated minimum training requirements.
* **National authorities:** Member States are responsible for transposing the directive into national law and ensuring compliance.
* **Professional organizations:** Veterinary professional organizations are affected.
* **The Public:** Indirectly, as the changes contribute to better animal health and food safety.
**7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):**
* **Responsible agency/bodies:** The European Commission is responsible for the initial directive, while Member States are responsible for transposing the directive into national law. Competent authorities within Member States will likely oversee the implementation of the updated training requirements.
* **Timelines:** Member States must bring into force the laws, regulations, and administrative provisions necessary to comply with this Directive by **April 10, 2027**.
* **Procedures:** Member States are required to communicate to the Commission the text of the national provisions they adopt to implement the directive.
**8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:**
The likely intended outcome of these specific changes is a higher standard of veterinary training across the EU, better aligned with contemporary scientific and technological advancements and the "One Health" concept. This should lead to:
* Veterinary surgeons better equipped to address animal health challenges, including disease prevention and treatment.
* Improved food safety and public health outcomes.
* Enhanced animal welfare practices.
* Greater integration of digital technologies in veterinary practice.
* Improved communication and collaboration between veterinary surgeons and other professionals.
**9. Conclusion:**
Commission Delegated Directive (EU) 2025/1223 represents a significant update to the minimum training requirements for veterinary surgeons in the EU. By modernizing the curriculum and emphasizing key competencies like the "One Health" concept and digital literacy, the amendment aims to ensure that veterinary professionals are well-prepared to meet the evolving challenges in animal health, public health, and food safety. The directive's successful implementation will depend on Member States' timely transposition and the adaptation of veterinary training programs to the updated requirements. The changes are significant and will likely have a broad positive impact on the quality of veterinary care and related public health outcomes.
Key Entities Referenced
European Union: Political and economic union of member states located primarily in Europe.
European Commission: Executive branch of the European Union responsible for proposing legislation, implementing decisions, and managing the EU budget.
Directive 2005/36/EC: Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council on the recognition of professional qualifications.
European Parliament: The directly elected parliamentary body of the European Union.
Council of the European Union: A body composed of ministers from each EU country that negotiates and adopts laws, coordinates policies, and develops the EU's foreign and security policy.
Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union: One of the primary treaties of the European Union, detailing its scope of power.
Directive 2013/55/EU: Directive of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Directive 2005/36/EC on the recognition of professional qualifications.
Internal Market Information System (IMI): A secure online tool that facilitates administrative cooperation between Member States of the European Economic Area.
Regulation (EU) No 1024/2012: Regulation on administrative cooperation through the Internal Market Information System ('the IMI Regulation').
European Free Trade Association (EFTA): A regional trade organization and free trade area consisting of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.
Member States: The countries that are part of the European Union.
Ursula VON DER LEYEN: The President of the European Commission.
Brussels: City in Belgium, where the Commission is based.
Official Journal EN
of the European Union L series
2025/1223 20.6.2025
COMMISSION DELEGATED DIRECTIVE(EU) 2025/1223
of 10 April 2025
amending Directive 2005/36/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the
minimum training requirements for the profession of veterinary surgeon
(Text with EEA relevance)
THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,
Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,
Having regard to Directive 2005/36/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 7 September 2005 on the
recognition of professional qualifications(1) and, in particular, Article 21(6), second subparagraph and Article 38(1),
second subparagraph, thereof,
Whereas:
(1) The harmonised minimum training requirements for the profession of veterinary surgeon are set out in Article 38 of
Directive 2005/36/EC as well as in point 5.4.1 of Annex V to that Directive.
(2) In its 2011 Green Paper on the modernisation of Directive 2005/36/EC(2), the Commission acknowledged the need
to modernise the harmonised minimum training requirements in phases.
(3) In the context of the amendment of Directive 2005/36/EC through Directive 2013/55/EU of the European
Parliament and of the Council(3), national authorities, academic institutions and professional organisations indicated
that the professions covered by Title III, Chapter III of the Directive have evolved significantly since their respective
minimum training requirements were harmonised.
(4) While Directive 2013/55/EU reviewed to a certain extent the knowledge and skills for the profession of veterinary
surgeon as set out in Article 38(3) of Directive 2005/36/EC, no substantial changes were made to the study
programme subjects listed in point 5.4.1 of Annex V to Directive 2005/36/EC.
(5) Article 21(6) of Directive 2005/36/EC, as amended, provides the Commission with delegated powers to introduce, in
accordance with its Article 57c of Directive 2005/36/EC, updates to the minimum training requirements in order to
adapt them to generally acknowledged scientific and technical progress to reflect the evolution of EU law directly
affecting the professionals concerned.
(6) The Commission has assessed whether the minimum training requirements for the profession of veterinary surgeon,
as set out in Directive 2005/36/EC, should be updated in light of generally acknowledged scientific and technical
progress.
(1) OJ L 255, 30.9.2005, p. 22, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2005/36/oj.
(2) Green Paper, Modernising the Professional Qualifications Directive, COM(2011) 367 final of 22 June 2011.
(3) Directive 2013/55/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 November 2013 amending Directive 2005/36/EC on the
recognition of professional qualifications and Regulation (EU) No 1024/2012 on administrative cooperation through the Internal
Market Information System (‘the IMI Regulation’) (OJ L 354, 28.12.2013, p. 132, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2013/55/oj).
ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir_del/2025/1223/oj 1/6EN
OJ L, 20.6.2025
(7) A study was carried out to assist the Commission in its assessment. The aim of the study was to explore the
developments in training requirements for the profession of veterinary surgeon in Member States and European Free
Trade Association (EFTA) States. For that purpose, data was collected at EU and national level through desk research
and targeted stakeholder consultations. The data collection focused on developments in training requirements at
national level: (i) scientific and technical advancements affecting the profession of veterinary surgeon; (ii) training
programmes and knowledge and skills that go beyond the minimum training requirements laid down in
Directive 2005/36/EC and that reflect any adaptation to scientific and technical advancements.
(8) A comparative assessment of the data collected was carried out during the study. It focused on developments in and
commonalities between training requirements across all Member States and EFTA States in light of generally
acknowledged scientific and technical progress. For that purpose, a working definition of ‘generally acknowledged’
scientific and technical progress was developed, consisting of scientific and technical advancements that have been
observed in at least 16 Member States and EFTA States.
(9) The results of the study were presented to stakeholders during a workshop and at the meeting of the group of
coordinators for the recognition of professional qualifications. Based on the feedback received, the conclusions of
the study were drafted, suggesting updates to the minimum training requirements set out in Directive 2005/36/EC in
respect of training programmes as well as knowledge and skills.
(10) The study(4) identified the following generally acknowledged scientific and technical advancements in training
programmes in Member States and EFTA States that were not represented or not sufficiently represented in the
minimum training requirements set out in Directive 2005/36/EC: the One Health concept; sustainability and
transdisciplinarity; interdisciplinarity, multidisciplinary and soft skills; treatments and therapies; animal health and
welfare; public health: hygiene and food safety; biology, digitalisation and digital data, as well as diagnostic and
laboratory tools and techniques.
(11) In accordance with the Joint Political Declaration of 28 September 2011 of the Member States and the Commission
on explanatory documents(5), Member States have undertaken to accompany, in justified cases, the notification of
their transposition measures with one or more documents to explain the relationship between the components of a
directive and the corresponding parts of national transposition instruments. With regard to this Directive, the
legislator considers the transmission of such documents to be justified.
(12) Directive 2005/36/EC should therefore be amended accordingly,
HAS ADOPTED THIS DIRECTIVE:
Article 1
Amendments to Directive 2005/36/EC
Directive 2005/36/EC is amended as follows:
(1) in Article 38, paragraph 3 is replaced by the following:
‘3. Training as a veterinary surgeon shall provide an assurance that the professional in question has acquired the
following knowledge and skills:
(a) knowledge of the sciences on which the activities of a veterinary surgeon are based and of the EU law relating to
those activities;
(b) adequate knowledge of the structure, functions, behaviour and physiological needs of animals, as well as the
skills and competences needed for their husbandry, feeding, welfare, reproduction and hygiene in general;
(4) European Commission, Directorate-General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs, Mapping and assessment of
developments of one of the sectoral professions under Directive 2005/36/EC – The profession of veterinary surgeon – Final study, Publications
Office of the European Union, 2022.
(5) OJ C 369, 17.12.2011, p. 14.
2/6 ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir_del/2025/1223/ojEN
OJ L, 20.6.2025
(c) the clinical, epidemiological and analytical skills and competences required for the prevention, diagnosis and
treatment of the diseases of animals, as well as to assess and manage pain, safely perform aseptic surgery,
sedation, anaesthesia and euthanasia, whether considered individually or in groups, including specific
knowledge of the diseases which may be transmitted to humans;
(d) adequate knowledge, skills and competences for preventive medicine, including competences relating to
biosecurity, inquiries and certification;
(e) adequate knowledge of the hygiene and technology involved in the production, manufacture and putting into
circulation of animal feedstuffs or foodstuffs of animal origin intended for human consumption, including the
skills and competences required to understand and explain good practice in this regard;
(f) the knowledge, skills and competences required for the responsible and sensible use of veterinary medicinal
products, in order to treat animals and to ensure the safety of the food chain and the protection of the
environment;
(g) adequate knowledge and understanding of the One Health concept, including skills and competences for its
application and integration in veterinary public health;
(h) knowledge of the organisation and management related to a veterinary business, including practice
management and animal health economics; adequate knowledge, skills and competences on interpersonal and
interprofessional interaction, communication, teamworking and multi-disciplinary collaboration;
(i) adequate knowledge of data management, information technology and digital technologies, and the skills and
competences necessary for their practical application in the veterinary domain.’;
(2) Annex V is amended in accordance with the Annex to this Directive.
Article 2
Transposition
1. Member States shall bring into force the laws, regulations and administrative provisions necessary to comply with
this Directive by 10 April 2027 at the latest. They shall forthwith communicate to the Commission the text of those
provisions.
When Member States adopt those provisions, they shall contain a reference to this Directive or be accompanied by such a
reference on the occasion of their official publication. Member States shall determine how such reference is to be made.
2. Member States shall communicate to the Commission the text of the main provisions of national law which they
adopt in the field covered by this Directive.
Article 3
Entry into force
This Directive shall enter into force on the twentieth day following that of its publication in the Official Journal of the
European Union.
ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir_del/2025/1223/oj 3/6EN
OJ L, 20.6.2025
Article 4
Addressees
This Directive is addressed to the Member States.
Done at Brussels, 10 April 2025.
For the Commission
The President
Ursula VON DER LEYEN
4/6 ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir_del/2025/1223/ojEN
OJ L, 20.6.2025
ANNEX
In Annex V to Directive 2005/36/EC, point 5.4.1 is replaced by the following:
‘5.4.1Study programme for veterinary surgeons
The programme of studies leading to the evidence of formal qualifications in veterinary medicine shall include at least the
subjects listed below.
Instruction in one or more of these subjects may be given as part of, or in association with, other courses.
A. Basic subjects
— Physics
— Chemistry
— Animal and cell biology
— Plant biology
— Biomathematics
B. Specific subjects
a. Basic sciences:
— Anatomy (including histology and embryology)
— Physiology
— Biochemistry
— Genetics and molecular genetics
— Pharmacy, pharmacology and pharmacotherapy (including antimicrobial resistance)
— Toxicology
— Microbiology
— Immunology
— Epidemiology
— Professional ethics
b. Clinical sciences:
— Obstetrics
— Pathology (including pathological anatomy)
— Parasitology
— Clinical medicine and surgery (including anaesthetics)
— Clinical lectures on the various domestic animals, poultry and other animal species
— Preventive medicine
— Diagnostic imaging
— Reproduction and reproductive disorders
— Veterinary state medicine and public health
— Veterinary legislation and forensic veterinary medicine
ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir_del/2025/1223/oj 5/6EN
OJ L, 20.6.2025
— Therapeutics
— Propaedeutics
c. Animal production
— Animal production
— Animal nutrition
— Agronomy
— Rural economics
— Animal husbandry and herd health management
— Veterinary hygiene
— Animal welfare, ethology and protection
d. Food hygiene
— Inspection and control of animal feedstuff or foodstuff of animal origin
— Food hygiene, technology and food microbiology
— Practical work (including practical work in places where slaughtering and processing of foodstuffs takes
place)
Practical training may be in the form of a training period, provided that such training is full-time and under the direct
control of the competent authority, and does not exceed six months within the aggregate training period of five years study.
The distribution of the theoretical and practical training among the various groups of subjects shall be balanced and
coordinated in such a way that the knowledge and experience may be acquired in a manner which will enable veterinary
surgeons to perform all their duties.’
6/6 ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir_del/2025/1223/oj