Empty cages: the EU Commission commits (again) to ban cage farming

There is an air of change in European farms? Maybe yes. The European Commission, in this case in the person of the Commissioner for Animal Health and Welfare Olivér Várhelyihas announced its intention to present the long-awaited reform of animal welfare legislation in 2026, with one top priority: ban cages on farms.

News welcomed with enthusiasm by the Italian animal rights organizations that are part of the End the Cage Age coalition, una European campaign supported by over 1.4 million citizens from 27 European countries who ask for an end to this practice which compromises animal welfare.

But the road to this announcement was long and tortuous. After the presentation of the popular initiative in October 2020, in 2021 the Commission had already formally committed to presenting a legislative proposal by 2023, but the commitment had been disregardedfueling the frustration of citizens and associations.

“This announcement is an important step in the fight to improve the lives of millions of animals,” the associations that joined End the Cage Age commented in a statement. “But let’s not let our guard down. We will ask the Commission to keep its word and present concrete proposals in 2026, without further delay.”

The stakes are high: every year, around 300 million animals – chickens, rabbits, sows – they live confined in narrow and bare cagesunable to express their social and natural behaviors. A system of intensive exploitation that causes immense suffering and which 89% of European citizens would like to see abolished (2023 Eurobarometer data).

The European Citizens’ Initiative End the Cage Age has played a vital role in this battle. Thanks to their mobilization, supported by various NGOs, the issue of animal welfare on farms has become central in the political debate, exerting constant pressure on the Commission.

But there was no shortage of obstacles. Agricultural pressure groups have done everything they can to slow the processwhile the Commission itself prevaricated, postponing decisions and fueling skepticism, it made known the Italian breakfast of End the Cage Age.

Now, with Commissioner Várhelyi’s announcement, there is a glimmer of hope. But the associations remain vigilant, asking for concrete guarantees and a precise timetable for the presentation of the reform. “The animals have waited too long,” they say. “It is time for the Commission to put words into action and put an end, once and for all, to the era of cages on European farms“.