Francisco Guerreiro calls for reduction of animal testing in the EU

Lisbon, 17 June 2020 - In a meeting with the Commissioner for the Environment, Oceans and Fisheries, Virginijus Sinkevičius, MEP Francisco Guerreiro (Greens/EFA) urged the European Commission to phase out of animal testing. 

In that sense, Francisco Guerreiro questioned why isn’t the logic of deadlines applied to scientific tests on animals since, in his opinion, it would contribute to achieving notable progress in reducing their use, until they were completely phased out.

The Commissioner replied that “as soon as substitute means are available, these binding targets can be launched”.  However, the MEP warned that the binding targets could initially focus on financial investment for the search of scientific alternatives to animal testing.

Between 2015 and 2017, the total number of uses of animals for scientific purposes decreased by only 5%, which is not really significant given that they are measured in millions. For example, in 2017, animals were used 10.9 million times in tests.

“It is obvious that we need more direct investment for the development of animal-free scientific methods and binding targets for Member States to be forced to make progress in this area”, observes Francisco Guerreiro a posteriori.

Looking to the past, in other policy areas, the EU uses the argument that, unless ambitious and binding targets are set, industries will not change. This principle has been applied, for example, to the reduction of greenhouse gases and to ensure gender equality in the EU.

The Commissioner also acknowledged "that the progress made in terms of reducing used animals is not enough and that the legislation must be revised, but an evaluation of it must come first”, and that "the biggest problem is in terms of implementation at the level Member States".

The meeting was held at the request of some MEPs from the Intergroup on the Welfare and Conservation of Animals of the European Parliament who are part of its Working Group on 'Animals in Science', of which MEP Francisco Guerreiro is part.

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