Every 6 months a different nation takes on the Presidency of the EU. This is a rotational thing, ensuring each member state plays its part. Now Hungary – Hence:

10 July 2024

As Hungary presides over the council for the next six months, Eurogroup for Animals urges the presidency to prioritise the critical needs in animal welfare.

The Belgian presidency significantly advanced on the proposal for the welfare and traceability of cats and dogs, which was approved by Member States in the council. While this achievement is welcome, the Hungarian presidency must now address the remaining urgent issues.

Read our full memorandum to the Hungarian Presidency here.

Animal welfare legislation must be published

Foremost, the presidency must urge the Commission to publish the remaining animal welfare proposals early in the next political term, to address the severely outdated legislation that does not adequately protect animals throughout their lifetime, from farm to slaughter. In particular, the legislation should have a plan of action to transition to cage-free systems, as per the commitment to the End the Cage Age ECI.

Better protection of animals during transport

Eurogroup for Animals urges the Hungarian presidency to further the work on the revision of the Transport Regulation to support a ban on the transport of live animals outside EU borders, in parallel with a transition towards a trade in meat and carcasses, and stricter requirements to protect animals during intra-EU transport, particularly vulnerable animals.

Support coexistence with wildlife

With significant support for coexistence with wolves in rural communities across the EU and sufficient EU guidelines, practices and support initiatives to prevent loss of livestock, the Hungarian presidency is encouraged to to close the discussions on the proposal to downgrade the protection status of wolves and rather promote the uptake of coexistence measures currently underutilised.

Move towards non-animal science

The impact of EU legislation to protect animals used for scientific purposes has so far been limited. In 2020, over 7.9 million animals were used in research, testing, and education in the EU-27 and Norway, and a further 686,628 animals were used for creating and maintaining genetically altered lines. Eurogroup for Animals urges the Hungarian presidency to support efforts to advance negotiations on legislative initiatives to phase out the use of animals in science.

Read our full memorandum to the Hungarian Presidency here.

 Hungary presidency: time to step up work in animal welfare | Eurogroup for Animals

 Regards Mark