Animal welfare is as important as freedom of expression for European citizens, according to a final report of the first EU-wide citizens’ consultation on future priorities of the EU.
 
The report was published this week, ahead of an informal meeting of the European Council on May 9 to discuss future strategic plans for the EU.
 
1 out of 7 citizens mentioned animal welfare in an open question about their hopes for the future EU priorities. Also, 13% of citizens also said that decisions taken at EU level for the welfare of animals would make them prouder to be European.
When asked specifically what main actions the EU should prioritise “for the future of agriculture, fishery and food production in Europe”, respect for biodiversity, promotion of organic farming and vegetarianism, wise fishing, reduction of live transport and animal welfare in general all ranked highly.
 
The report’s conclusions reinforce the findings of the 2016 Eurobarometer, when many citizens expressed overwhelming support for animal welfare, and highlight the ongoing and urgent need for action.
 
The report’s conclusions will now be taken into account by Heads of State and Government in Thursday’s European Council meeting about the general direction the European Union should take, which is the next step in a broader “Future of Europe” debate.
 
“We have long known how much Europeans want to see genuine improvements for animals by better EU legislation. Now we see that, for many, decisions on animal welfare are at the core of what it means to be European,” said Reineke Hameleers, Director at Eurogroup for Animals.
 
 “We trust that Europeans will vote with their feet in three weeks based on our VoteforAnimals2019 campaign, and will ensure that the next Commission and Parliament deliver for animals,” Hameleers added. 
 
Edited by: Bouli Hadjioannou