Preparatory work to follow up the European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI) aimed at phasing out cages in animal farms is underway, a European Commission spokesperson confirmed at a press briefing on Tuesday 4 June.
The ECI presented in 2020 to ‘End The Cage Age’ brought together 1.4 million people, prompting the Commission to promise a legislative proposal before the end of 2023. To date, no proposal has been put forward, much to the dismay of NGOs in particular.
In March 2024, the Commission was referred to the Court of Justice of the EU by the ‘ECI Citizens’ Committee’. This appeal replaces the one lodged by 57 NGOs with the European Ombudsman for the same reasons (see EUROPE 13325/26).
The Commission spokesperson explained that the various procedures, in particular the impact studies, were lengthening the legislative process, but that the process was still ongoing. The Commission must also ensure that the transition to a cage-free system is viable for the EU farming sector. (Original version in French by Paul Charles - intern)