EU Commissioner to prioritize animal welfare in new role

In October 2023, Project 1882, alongside other animal rights organizations, delivered 309,897 signatures to the European Commission as part of the “EU for Animals” campaign. To ensure animal welfare remains a priority in future EU policies, Project 1882 advocated for the formal creation of an animal protection commissioner. Now, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has announced that this will become a reality: an EU commissioner will officially hold the title “Commissioner for Health and Animal Welfare” replacing the former “Commissioner for Health and Food Safety”. 

– Having a commissioner with animal welfare in their title marks a significant step forward in elevating the status of animals within the EU. While the title itself carries symbolic weight – something that should not be underestimated – it also paves the way for greater resources to support animal welfare initiatives and provides clearer avenues for accountability, says Benny Andersson, CEO of Project 1882.  

In the fall of 2023, the European Commission was expected to present a comprehensive review of the EU’s animal welfare legislation, which was set to include proposals in four key areas: how animals are kept, transportation, slaughter, and labeling of animal products in stores. However, of these anticipated measures, only the proposals on transportation were introduced, and they fell short of expectations. This highlights the high stakes for animal welfare in the upcoming term, making clear and dedicated responsibility for animal issues a crucial first step. 

– This is a historic breakthrough in our work for animal rights in the EU, and it shows that our persistent advocacy efforts are making a real difference. I want to extend a big thank you to everyone who supported the campaign and made this success possible. Thanks to your commitment, the animals of Europe now have a chance for a better future, concludes Benny Andersson.