Overview
The policy initiative concerns a planned revision of the European Union's animal welfare legislation. The file is an upcoming Commission proposal, with the Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety (DG SANTE) under Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi responsible for its preparation. The Environment Council (ENV) is the relevant Council configuration. This analysis is based on data from the public consultation feedback, records of stakeholder outreach, and documented stakeholder positions from meetings.
Institutional handling
The European Commission's Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety (DG SANTE) holds the lead responsibility for developing the proposal. Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi oversees this portfolio. Within the Council of the EU, the dossier will be handled by the Environment Council configuration (ENV).
Stakeholder reactions
A public consultation on the initiative received 319 feedbacks from 303 distinct organisations, revealing divided opinions across key topics. On the topic of 'EU requirements on animal welfare for farmers', which attracted feedback from 305 organisations, the overall sentiment was moderately divided. Organisational feedback showed support from business associations such as COOPERATIVAS AGRO-ALIMENTARIAS.COOP, UNAITALIA, and AVEC, while non-governmental organisations like VIER PFOTEN International and Anima strongly opposed the direction of the initiative. The topic of 'Import of agri-food products in the EU' generated feedback from 198 organisations, with a consensus sentiment of opposition. The topic of 'Agricultural funding' saw feedback from 57 organisations, with a strong consensus of opposition.
Stakeholder engagement has been extensive, with 294 documented meetings held between stakeholders and EU policymakers. Of these, 166 were with Members of the European Parliament, 86 with Commissioners, and 42 with European Commission staff. These meetings involved 131 distinct organisations. The most active organisations in these engagements were Eurogroup for Animals, Anima, World Animal Protection, CIA – Italian Farmers, and Dyrenes Beskyttelse.
Detailed positions from these meetings further illustrate the policy divides. On 'EU requirements on animal welfare for farmers', Eurogroup for Animals strongly opposes the current direction, explicitly advocating for stricter standards with a focus on welfare over reducing costs. In contrast, stakeholders including Euro Foie Gras and EuroCommerce support the initiative, with positions subtly favoring reducing costs and regulatory burdens for farmers. The American Humane Society opposes the direction, favoring a greater focus on private certification standards based on scientific advice. On the topic of 'Animal diseases prevention and management in the EU', the President of the European Rural Poultry Association (ERPA), the association itself, and its Director all oppose the initiative's direction, explicitly or subtly emphasizing the importance of strict surveillance, prevention, and biosecurity measures. Regarding 'Import of agri-food products in the EU', Eurogroup for Animals opposes the current direction, explicitly welcoming requirements for imported products to meet EU animal welfare standards. The Comité de Liaison des Interprofessions Agricoles et Agroalimentaires also opposes it, highlighting negative consequences from imports produced under lower standards and signaling a protectionist stance.