The European Commission has given its response to Fur Free Europe

In its response to the initiative, the Commission has mandated EFSA, the European Food Safety Authority, to present a scientific opinion by March 2025. Based on this, the Commission has committed to consider measures in line with the initiative by March 2026. The door for an EU-wide ban on fur farming and trade in fur products has thus been opened, but the decision may take some time. In parallel with EFSA's work on the scientific opinion, the European Commission plans to carry out three visits to fur farms in Member States, consider including mink on the EU list of invasive species, and review the EU's textile labelling. 

– It's good news that the European Commission is now starting the process towards a ban on fur farming, which so many citizens are calling for. But it is a shame that the process is being dragged out. There are already lots of evidence stating that animal welfare cannot be achieved on fur farms, says Benny Andersson, CEO of Project 1882.

On fur farms, mainly wild animals, including minks, foxes and raccoon dogs, are kept in small cages where they are prevented from showing natural behaviour and then killed solely for the value of their fur. The arguments against fur farming are not limited to animal welfare: farms also pose a risk of new pandemics, and the use of toxic chemicals makes them one of the most polluting industries. 20 EU Member States have already fully or partially banned fur farming or introduced stricter measures in the interest of animal welfare, the environment and public health. 

– It is now of utmost importance that the scientific opinion process is transparent and impartial and involves consultation with stakeholders across the board, to avoid over-representation of industry compared to independent scientists and non-governmental organisations, Benny Andersson concludes.