EU Animal Welfare Strategy 2023-2027: Progress and Welfare Implications

The European Union Animal Welfare Strategy sets ambitious targets for legislative reform across farmed, companion and wild animals, with significant welfare implications for millions of animals if fully implemented.

Key Facts

The EU Animal Welfare Strategy was published in 2023 as part of the Farm to Fork and Biodiversity Strategy frameworks
Key targets include ending routine painful procedures, phasing out cage farming and improving transport welfare standards
The strategy includes proposed revision of the laying hen directive, the broiler directive and the transport regulation
Consumer and industry stakeholder engagement has been extensive with over 58,000 responses to the open consultation
Legislative implementation has faced delays due to political resistance from agricultural lobbying and member state concerns
Some provisions including ending conventional cage laying hen housing have been proposed with 2027-2030 phase-out timelines
The strategy covers not only farmed animals but also companion animals, experimental animals and wildlife

Welfare Considerations

The EU Animal Welfare Strategy represents the most ambitious legislative agenda for animal welfare in history, if fully implemented. The proposed phase-out of cages for laying hens, broiler breeder and sow gestation crates would remove perhaps the largest single source of confinement-related animal suffering in the world. The welfare stakes are correspondingly high. Legislative delays and political resistance from agricultural sectors reflect the economic magnitude of change required. Consumer engagement with the strategy — responding to consultations, supporting implementing member state governments and choosing welfare-assured products — creates the political and market conditions for full implementation. The strategy is a welfare opportunity of generational significance.

What You Can Do

Respond to EU consultations on animal welfare legislative reform to support stronger standards
Contact your MEP or national government representative to express support for EU Animal Welfare Strategy implementation
Choose cage-free eggs and higher-welfare certified meat products to demonstrate market demand for reform
Support organisations including Eurogroup for Animals monitoring EU animal welfare legislative progress
Share information about the EU Animal Welfare Strategy with consumers who may not know this legislation is being reformed