Animal welfare in the EU
The European Commission is committed to improving animal welfare and living conditions for animals across the EU.
This is a shared responsibility between the Commission and EU member states. The Commission proposes legislation – using scientific advice from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) – and helps national governments implement it. EU legislation lays down minimum standards, but governments may adopt more stringent rules.
Among the principles enshrined in EU law is that animals are sentient beings that can feel and have emotions. In 2023, the Commission proposed new legislation that would cover:
EU rules reflect the so-called 'Five Freedoms': freedom from hunger and thirst; freedom from discomfort; freedom from pain, injury and disease; freedom to express normal behaviour and freedom from fear and distress.
Concerns shared by EU citizens
A 2023 Eurobarometer survey – Attitudes of Europeans towards animal welfare found that:
- 84% of Europeans believe the welfare of farmed animals should be better protected
- 83% support limiting the transport time of animals
- 74% support better protection of the welfare of pet animals in their country
- 90% consider that farming and breeding practices should meet basic ethical requirements
Survey shows how important animal welfare is for Europeans – press release
Farming of animals for fur
The farming of animals for fur involves a complex balance between animal-welfare concerns and economic interests. In 2022 the Commission mandated the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) to assess the welfare problems of animals farmed for fur. The Commission will conduct its evaluation of EFSA’s assessment and opinion and communicate a decision by March 2026.
In 2023, a European Citizens Initiative (ECI) titled 'Fur Free Europe’ requested that the Commission take action to prohibit two main practices:
- keeping and killing of animals for the sole or main purpose of fur production
- placement of farmed animal fur, and products containing such fur, on the EU market
The Commission will communicate by March 2026 if it considers appropriate to propose a ban, after a transition period.
- ECI 'Fur Free Europe' – Q & A
- ECI 'Fur Free Europe' – Response of the European Commission
- ECI 'End the Cage Age' – about the initiative
Legislation before 2023
- Regulation 1/2005 – protection of animals during transport and related operations
- Lisbon Treaty, Article 13 – welfare requirements of animals (2016)
- Directive 98/58/EC – protection of animals kept for farming
- Decision 78/923/EEC – European Convention for protection of animals kept for farming
- European Convention for protection of animals kept for farming – principles and implementation (1976)