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The European Commission has launched a public consultation on the revision of EU rules for animal welfare on farms. Farmers, citizens, businesses, public authorities, NGOs and other stakeholders are invited to contribute their views.
This revision follows the mission letter addressed to Commissioner Várhelyi and takes place within the framework of the Vision for Agriculture and Food adopted last February. In that document, the Commission committed to working closely with farmers, the food chain and civil society on animal welfare matters. The first legislative proposal is expected towards the end of next year. It will be evidence-based, respond to the Citizens’ Initiative “End the Cage Age”, and also consider welfare standards for imported products. The process will be supported by additional consultations, targeted surveys and scientific advice from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).
Commissioner Várhelyi underlined: “Updating our animal welfare rules is a clear demand from citizens. To meet this request while safeguarding the competitiveness of European farmers, we need input from all interested parties. Only together can we design solutions that are practical, forward-looking and grounded in solid evidence.”
The consultation is open on the Have Your Say portal until 12 December 2025.
September 19, 2025/ EC/ European Union.
https://ec.europa.eu
