Commission consults on revision of farm animal welfare rules

The Commission has launched a public consultation to gather input for the review of EU farm animal welfare legislation. Farmers, citizens, businesses, national and regional authorities, NGOs and other interested parties are encouraged to share their views.

The review of this legislation follows on from the mandate letter to Commissioner Várhelyi and takes place in the context of the Vision for Agriculture and Food, adopted last February, in which the Commission committed itself to a close exchange with farmers, the food supply industry and civil society on the issue of animal welfare. The Commission intends to present its first proposal for a revision of EU legislation towards the end of next year. This proposal will be evidence-based and will be a follow-up to the Commission’s response to the End the Cage Age citizens’ initiative. It will also address the issue of animal welfare standards for products imported into the EU. The Commission’s review work will also draw on other consultation activities, such as targeted surveys of key stakeholders, as well as scientific input from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

Commissioner Várhelyi said: “Modernising some of our animal welfare rules is a clear expectation of our citizens. To respond to this request, while ensuring that the competitiveness of European farmers is maintained, we want to hear the views of all stakeholders on farm animal welfare standards. We need everyone to come forward with viable and forward-looking solutions based on solid evidence”.

The consultation, available on the “Tell us what you think” portal, will remain open until 12 December 2025.

More information: European Commission