In addition, in a year’s time, the Commission will produce a report on the review of the Directive, a process that is already underway in the Commission services.

The meeting opened with a presentation from Barney Reed, Chair of Eurogroup for Animals’ working group on research animals who explained that effective implementation of the requirements of Directive is key. Barney also highlighted that there was still much more to do regarding improving the pace of development, validation and uptake of alternative non-animal methods.

Michelle Thew, CEO of the European Coalition to end Animal Experiments (ECEAE), presented on a progressive vision to reduce animal experiments in the European Union, stating the time is now for an action plan with the need to set targets with a timetable and timescale to end animal use.

Renate Weissenhorn, Commission Co-Chair of the European Partnership for Alternative Approaches, spoke on the contribution of the EPAA towards replacement and reduction of use of animals in regulatory testing, highlighting the need for partnership and collaboration which has led to numerous successes. Julie Girling, MEP highlighted this work further through her involvement in the mirror group of the EPAA and invited the Intergroup members to contact her if they have more interest on the continuing work.

The Intergroup will consider possible further actions to speed up the uptake and use of alternatives.

For further information please contact:

Kirsty Reid
Programme Leader – Animals in Science
Email: K.Reideurogroupforanimals.org