Answer given by Ms Kyriakides on behalf of the European Commission
10.1.2024
Animal welfare is and will remain a priority for the Commission. The Farm to Fork Strategy[1] foresees a revision of the EU’s animal welfare legislation.
As a first step, the Commission adopted two legislative proposals on 7 December 2023[2], one to revise the current EU rules on the protection of animals during transport, and one to establish new EU rules, for the first time, on the welfare of dogs and cats and their traceability.
The preparatory work to revise existing EU rules on the welfare of animals at farm level, at the time of killing and to establish a voluntary European label for animal welfare, is still ongoing.
In its reply to the European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI) ‘end the cage age’[3], the Commission announced its intention to adopt a legislative proposal to phase out and finally prohibit the use of cage systems for all animals mentioned in the ECI .
The preliminary results of the ongoing impact assessment show that the transition to cage-free systems demands the adaptation of several farming parameters, such as enriching the environment of the animals, and providing them with more space.
Further consultations are needed concerning the costs, the appropriate length of the transitional period and the relevant measures at import. Preparatory work will therefore continue, including in the context of the strategic dialogue on the future of agriculture in the EU.
Food sustainability is fundamental for health, environment and food security. F ocusing on the accompanying impact assessment, the Commission pursues preparatory work on the proposal for a framework for sustainable food systems which will aim at enabling and accelerating the necessary transition of the food system.
No decision has been taken at this point regarding the timing of its adoption.