Europe’s quality of life depends on a secure and affordable supply of quality local food. We enjoy the healthiest and highest-quality food in the world, and that is thanks to our farms and the wider agri-food sector. The European Commission will work to ensure farming remains a core part of the European way of life and will aim to boost the sustainability and competitiveness of our blue economy.

The European Commission is committed to improving animal welfare and living conditions for animals across the EU. This is a shared responsibility between the Commission and EU member states. The Commission proposes legislation – using scientific advice from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) – and helps national governments implement it.

One of the key priorities of the Commission is to promote an enhanced dialogue on animal welfare issues that are relevant at EU level among competent authorities, businesses, civil society and scientists.

Reference Centres aim at improving the enforcement of the legislation on animal welfare, which is one of the Commission's priorities.
They provide technical support and coordinated assistance to EU Member States in carrying out official controls in the field of animal welfare. This in particular by providing scientific and technical expertise, carrying out studies and developing methods for improving and assessing the welfare level of animals. In addition, they contribute to the dissemination of good practices on animal welfare in the EU.

Harmonised EU rules are in place covering a range of animal species and welfare-affecting issues.

European citizens have the right to ask the Commission to propose legislation on a matter on which they consider that an EU legal act is required for the purpose of implementing the Treaties.

The Commission has developed several international activities with its partners to raise animal welfare awareness and to promote the EU model and principles worldwide.

The protection and welfare of animals is a priority for the EU. This includes wildlife, zoo animals, farm animals, animals in transport and animals used for scientific purposes. Regarding animals in science, EU legislation is unique as it sets a final goal of full replacement of all animals used for scientific and educational purposes and is taking concrete action towards that goal.

In 2024, the European Commission established the Animal Welfare Expert Group to assist the Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety in the preparation of legislative proposals and policy initiatives, as well as in the preparation of delegated acts in the field of animal welfare. The expert group, consisting of Member States and EEA/EFTA countries, will also be a forum for exchanges on matters related to the enforcement and application of the EU animal welfare legislation, to ensure a more harmonised approach to official controls and a more coherent compliance with the common rules.

Animal Welfare is a priority for the European Union. Over the past 40 years, EU animal welfare legislation has evolved on the basis of sound scientific knowledge, improving the quality of animals' lives in accordance with citizens' expectations and market demands.

When buying food of animal origin, consumers are increasingly interested in the animal welfare situation of the animals. Commission has taken steps to address the issue of labelling related to animal welfare and also introduced ban on cat and dog fur

Find out how the EU ensures animals' welfare and protects them from cruelty and trafficking.

The safety of the food chain is directly connected to the welfare of animals, particularly those farmed for food production, due to the close links between animal welfare, animal health and food-borne diseases.