In 2024, the European Union (EU) is projected to experience a slight increase in beef production by 2.2%, due to higher slaughter numbers and carcass weights, despite an ongoing decline in herd sizes and calf production for the ninth year in a row. This decline, particularly in Western Europe, is attributed to a poor economic climate and stringent regulations. However, the EU beef market remains tight, with imports decreasing and exports increasing, largely to Turkey. The forecast rise in beef exports is attributed to a shift in Turkey's preference from cattle imports to beef imports. Additionally, the outbreak of the bluetongue virus and epizootic haemorrhagic disease in Western Europe is expected to further decrease slaughter numbers in the next year.