The European Commission has launched an inquiry into tightening European animal welfare regulations.
Earlier this summer, the European Commission initiated a public consultation inviting feedback on potential animal welfare measures. This effort includes a follow-up questionnaire now open until 12 December 2025, soliciting EU residents’ opinions on current regulations, their views on phasing out cage systems for various species, and the necessity for imported products to adhere to the same welfare standards.
This initiative is a precursor to the planned reform of European welfare regulations. The Commission is currently in the process of gathering information to present proposals starting in early 2026 on how to revise welfare regulations across various livestock farming sectors.
Commission Targets Cage Use
A pivotal element of the proposed regulations aims at phasing out various forms of cage housing across multiple species. The European Commission seeks to prohibit cage systems at the EU level for layers, pigs, calves, rabbits, and several other poultry species.
Moreover, the Commission puts forth an explicit provision in the new welfare regulations that imported animal products must also originate from animals that meet the newly established welfare standards.
