MEPs set to endorse EU citizens’ call to phase out cages in animal farming
In response to the European citizens’ initiative “End the Cage Age”, MEPs will debate and vote on a resolution to gradually end the use of cages in animal farming.
The draft resolution by the Agriculture Committee calls on the EU Commission to come up with legislative proposals to ban caged farming in the EU, possibly by 2027, after an appropriate transition period and a solid scientific impact assessment. The gradual end of the use of cages should be based on a species-by-species approach that would take into account the characteristics of different animals.
Before any legislative changes are made, proper support is needed, including adequate advisory and training services, incentives and financial programmes for farmers and livestock breeders, the draft text stipulates. All animal products imported into the EU should be produced in full compliance with EU legislation, including the use of cage-free farming systems, MEPs are expected to say.
Background
The “End the Cage Age” European Citizens’ Initiative was registered with the EU Commission on 5 September 2018. By the time it was submitted, the initiative had gathered support from almost 1.4 million signatories from across the EU, with the required threshold for signatures met in 18 member states. MEPs debated the citizens’ initiative together with its organisers, Commissioners and representatives of other EU bodies during a public hearing on 15 April.
Procedure: Non-legislative resolution
Debate: Thursday, 10 June
Vote results: Thursday, 10 June