Animal welfare - Francisco Guerreiro MEP questions the Commission on the application of legislation at national level

Brussels, March 22, 2023 - Francisco Guerreiro MEP and his colleague Tilly Metz, both members of the European Parliament's Animal Welfare Intergoup, have questioned the European Commission on the national implementation of EU animal welfare legislation.


Read the question below:


Subject: National implementation of EU animal welfare legislation


Article 13 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union recognizes that animals are sentient beings. Responses to Eurobarometer surveys and the European Citizens' Initiative “End the cage era” have shown that European citizens advocate improving animal welfare through clear legislation, effective policies and proper enforcement.


In the EU, animal welfare legislation has been in place since 1974; however, the lack of effective enforcement and the fact that the current rules do not reflect the latest scientific research raise growing concerns.

Although EU legislation has been transposed into the national legislation of all Member States, the application of fines and other sanctions with regard to farmed animals is extremely limited, which generally calls into question the effectiveness of these rules.


In view of the ongoing review of EU animal welfare legislation, it is crucial to strengthen its enforcement and to develop surveillance and monitoring mechanisms in order to ensure compliance with this legislation.


1. is the Commission collecting data on the implementation of EU legislation at national level?
2. If so, will it include enhanced infringement procedures and enforcement mechanisms in the ongoing review to ensure compliance with EU law in Member States?


Read the Commission's response below:

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