There are strong ethical, economical and ecological reasons to modernise animal welfare policy, Forward for Animals calls on the EU’s decision makers to support an ambitious and timely proposal for all species on farms in 2026.

Forward for Animals, campaign from the Eurogroup for Animals network, looks to expose the reality of animals on farms in the EU, debunk myths from the industry, and provide positive solutions for all stakeholders. On farms across Europe, millions of animals are suffering from neglect and cruelty. The laws that protect them have not been thoroughly reviewed for over 40 years, leaving them not fit for purpose, and leaving sentient beings unprotected. The European Commission launched a much-needed revision of the animal welfare legislation five years ago, with a promise to publicly present the proposal by 2024. Disappointingly, the commitment to modernise the rules has continually been pushed back and delayed. Responding to increasing pressure to deliver the proposals, Commissioner for Animal Welfare Oliver Várhelyi promised updated legislation for animals on farms by 2026. He committed to ensuring this legislation will modernise existing EU animal welfare standards, and finally deliver on the promise to ban cages in farming. These laws must reflect citizen mandates, the evidence and consensus of the scientific community, and a firm and real commitment to end unnecessary animal suffering across the farming, transport, trade, science, and the environmental spaces. The campaign highlights that dignity, kindness, compassion and safety should be basic rights for all sentient beings in Europe. Therefore the EU should enshrine these principles in policy, ensuring a progressive and fair society for humans and animals alike. Later in the year, citizens will have the opportunity to participate and voice their support for the campaign.