On 18th June 2025 the European Commission launched a call for evidence as part of their initiative ‘On-farm animal welfare for certain animals: modernisation of EU legislation’.  The Vision for Agriculture and Food published by the Commission in February 2025 indicated their intention to engage with stakeholders  to revise existing legislation on animal welfare, particularly regarding the phasing out of cages.  The Call describes the main objectives of this legislative revision are “to ensure a good functioning of the internal market when it comes to animal welfare standards, to modernise existing rules and to follow up on the European Citizens’ Initiative “End the Cage Age”. This revision will be based on the latest scientific evidence and take into account the legislation’s socio-economic impact on farmers and those in the food supply chain, including SMEs and consumers. The revision will also provide support and appropriate species-specific transition periods. To uphold EU’s moral values in response to societal demand, the Commission will explore, in line with international rules, equivalent animal welfare production standards on imported products.”

Submissions are invited from citizens, businesses, NGOs and other interested parties

Deadline for submissions: 16 July 2025 (midnight Brussels time)

For more info: https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/better-regulation/have-your-say/initiatives/14671-On-farm-animal-welfare-for-certain-animals-modernisation-of-EU-legislation_en