Photo credits: © Greenpeace / Kate Davison The European Parliament has finally given its consent to the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (JEEPA), which unfortunately is a missed opportunity to advance the protection of animals. In addition, the enforcement mechanisms available to ensure the agreement’s cooperation mechanisms deliver impact remain desperately weak. Japan is the fifth […]
> Read the report < 20 years after the EU adopted a ban on ‘battery cages’, driven by consumer demand and evolving societal expectations, the EU, Member States and producers have to prepare for a successful transition to cage-free egg production. To accompany this process and ensure it delivers optimal welfare for laying hens, Eurogroup […]
Photo credits: © Dyrevernalliansen The first meeting at DG SANTE of the pig welfare sub-group of the European Platform on Animal Welfare took place on 26 November in GRANGE (Directorate F). The meeting was followed on 27-28 November by a full program of updates and workshops, involving Member States and invited stakeholders, dedicated to the […]
Photo credits: Djurens Rätt The contamination of several thousands of tons of animal feed with a genetically-modified vitamin causing antimicrobial resistance is yet another evidence of the risks factory farming poses to animal and human health. The intensive livestock sector’s overreliance on feed supplements to ensure the survival of animals kept in conditions unnatural to […]
The EU-Ukraine Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (DCFTA), entered in provisional application in January 2016 and came fully into force in September 2017. The case of the Ukraine is an important one for animal welfare. The EU has included strong language on regulatory alignment in the field of animal welfare in exchange of providing […]
In a special report on the development of plant proteins in the European Union, the European Commission recognizes that plant-based alternatives are gaining popularity in Europe. In addition to providing details on the promising market share for meat and dairy alternatives, the report lists a set of recommendations and funding opportunities available to producers to […]
The illegal dog trade is a booming industry all over Europe. 8 million puppies are annually needed to supply the demand making the online trade worth over more than 1 billion euros. The online trade has not only a huge impact on the welfare and health of the animals involved, but also on the internal […]
Surgical piglet castration is a painful management practice, widespread across Europe despite strong societal opposition. Today’s announcement at the EU Platform for Animal Welfare of the creation of a voluntary subgroup to find more humane alternatives marks a renewed political impetus to streamline available solutions, with support from a wide range of stakeholders. The decision […]
A European Commission evaluation report published last week concluded that the Council Directive 1999/22/EC (known as the “Zoo Directive”) fits for purpose and plays a crucial role with regard to conservation of biodiversity. The report also points out that a more effective and efficient application of the Directive’s requirements is needed to improve the welfare […]
In an audit assessing the European Commission and Member States’ actions towards improving farm animal welfare, the European Court of Auditors calls for more effective spending of animal welfare funds and improved enforcement efforts. Eurogroup for Animals trusts that the Court’s recommendation to the Commission to evaluate the impact of the past animal welfare strategy […]