Fur Free Europe

Submission and examination

The ‘Fur Free Europe’ initiative was submitted to the Commission on 14 June 2023, after having gathered 1,502,319  verified statements of support. See press announcement.

The organisers met with the European Commission Vice-President for Values and Transparency, Věra Jourová and the Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, Stella Kyriakides on 20 July 2023. See press announcement and photos.

A public hearing took place at the European Parliament on 10 October 2023. See recording.

The initiative was debated at the European Parliament’s plenary session on 19 October 2023. See recording (part 1 and part 2).

The Commission adopted a Communication on 7 December 2023 setting out its response to the initiative ‘Fur Free Europe’. See press release and questions and answers.

 

Answer of the European Commission

Main conclusions of the Communication:

The Commission has tasked the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) to provide a scientific opinion on the welfare of animals farmed for fur.

Building further on this scientific input, and on an assessment of economic and social impacts, the Commission will then communicate, by March 2026, on the most appropriate action. The Commission will also continue its preparatory work on other animal welfare proposals, as announced in the Farm to Fork Strategy.

The Commission has also proposed accompanying actions in the field of 'One Health' preventive mechanisms, invasive alien species and labelling of fur in apparel and clothing accessories.

Follow-up

On 9 February 2024, Commissioner Stella Kyriakides met with the organisers of ‘Fur Free Europe’ to discuss the Commission’s reply to the initiative.

The Commission’s work on the accompanying actions, as announced in the Communication, has been progressing. See the dedicated website for details.