The European Commission has indicated it will pursue a gradual, sector-by-sector approach to modernising animal welfare legislation, following the February 2026 EFSA scientific opinion that highlighted significant welfare issues in turkey farming. In a written reply to a parliamentary question from Socialists and Democrats MEP Maria Noichl, Commissioner Ursula von der Leyen confirmed the Commission's intention to update rules based on scientific evidence, but stopped short of committing to specific legislative proposals or timelines.
Noichl had sought clarity on how the EFSA findings would be translated into EU law, asking about species-specific rules and a legislative roadmap. The Commission's response, delivered on behalf of the executive, emphasised an ongoing impact assessment that will balance scientific recommendations with economic, social, and environmental factors across the sector. It did not provide firm deadlines, numerical targets, or detailed frameworks, but noted that the European Partnership on animal health and welfare under Horizon Europe continues to support relevant research.
This signals a cautious, evidence-based policy orientation rather than sweeping immediate change. The Commission highlighted its multi-faceted role in integrating scientific knowledge with practical implications, reflecting a deliberate approach to expanding EU regulatory scope over national farming practices. Stakeholders including EU turkey producers, animal welfare NGOs, national agricultural authorities, and consumers are likely to be affected: producers may face new compliance requirements, welfare groups see potential for future improvements, and the research community benefits from ongoing funding to fill knowledge gaps.
The Commission must complete the impact assessment before deciding on legislative scope, with research continuing under existing partnerships. This provides signals on the EU's gradual but science-driven approach to animal welfare legislation, prioritising careful reform rooted in evidence and sector-specific considerations.