The basics

In February 2025, the European Commission (EC) unveiled its Vision for Agriculture and Food, a forward-looking strategy aimed at reshaping the future of farming and food systems across the EU. Central to this vision was a renewed commitment to animal welfare. The EC pledged to engage in close dialogue with farmers, food supply chain actors, and civil society, laying the groundwork for legislative proposals that would revise outdated EU animal welfare laws.

As part of the process of drafting new legislation or policies, the European Commission often publishes a “public consultation”: a questionnaire aimed at citizens of the European Union, business associations, non-EU citizens and more, inviting them to share their views. 

The Commission then analyses the contributions received, and uses this feedback to inform the shape the new legislation takes.

The Vision for Agriculture and Food was adopted on 19 February 2025, building on the recommendations by the Strategic Dialogue on the Future of EU Agriculture

As outlined in the vision document, the Commission will engage closely with farmers, the food supply chain and civil society. Based on these exchanges, the Commission plans to propose further revision to existing EU animal welfare legislation, including the phasing out of cages. The Commission will also pursue, in line with international rules, a stronger alignment of animal-welfare standards applied to imported animals and food.

This revision will be based on the latest scientific evidence and consider the socio-economic impact on farmers and the agri-food chain. It will include support and tailored transition periods for specific species.

Submissions to the public consultation will inform the final shape of the revised legislation, which sectors it will cover, and what is feasible for the sectors concerned.

A high volume of entries from a variety of sources focusing on the same key messages (e.g. the ban on cages for all species and equivalent standards for imports), is the best way to ensure this public consultation will be a success for the animal welfare movement. With that in mind, please:

Take part – Submit a response to the public consultation by the deadline of 12^th December 2025