This briefing has been prepared on behalf of five animal protection NGOs campaigning at EU level to end animal testing (Cruelty Free Europe, Eurogroup for Animals, the European Coalition to End Animal Experiments, Humane Society International/Europe and PETA), in follow-up to the successful European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI) ‘Save Cruelty Free Cosmetics – Commit to a Europe without Animal Testing’ [1], which was declared valid on 25th January 2023 with 1,217,916 signatures and promoted by over 100 national organisations.

The five animal protection groups – Cruelty Free Europe, Eurogroup for Animals, the European Coalition to End Animal Experiments, Humane Society International/Europe and PETA – which together represent over 100 member organisations from 26 EU member states, strongly support the introduction of an oral question with motion for resolution calling for an EU Action Plan to phase out animal testing. Opinion polling carried out in June 2020 shows that nearly three quarters (72%) of adults in EU member states agree that the EU should set binding targets and deadlines to phase out testing on animals.