The European Commission’s latest public consultation on farm animal welfare closed on Wednesday 17 December. With more than 170 000 contributors, including input from AAFT, attention now turns to next steps and whether this process will finally translate into concrete policy action.
For years, EU institutions have acknowledged that current animal welfare laws are outdated and fail to reflect the latest scientific knowledge, the needs of animals or the expectations of citizens. The previous Commission had embarked on a comprehensive revision of the legislation. However, the revision did not materialize into anything concrete, except for a proposal on the transport of animals. Instead, we now see a new cycle of consultations, new impact assessments, but no law.
The scope of this new consultation focuses on the following issues: the use cages, welfare requirements for imported products, support measures for farmers, animal welfare indicators and alternatives to the killing of male day-old chicks. It does reinforce a consistent message: European citizens continue to express strong support for higher animal welfare standards.
At the same time, recent political signals raise questions about the timeline ahead. The Commission’s 2026 Work Programme does not currently include any reference to animal welfare legislation, leaving uncertainty about when or whether the long-anticipated new proposals will be presented.
There is no shortage of evidence, including consultations, questionnaires, polls and discussions to conclude that there is consensus among citizens, scientists, civil society organizations and many farmers on the need for clearer, stronger and more up-to-date welfare rules. What is now needed is the translation of this shared understanding into legislative proposals that deliver meaningful improvements for animals across the EU.
With the consultation now closed, the responsibility rests with the Commission to demonstrate leadership without further delays. European citizens have made their expectations clear. The next step must be a legal framework that reflects those expectations and delivers tangible progress for farm animal welfare.