Fur Free Europe
The European citizens' initiative Fur Free Europe ended on 1 March 2023, more than two months ahead of schedule. This was due to a record number of signatures collected from EU citizens.
In less than 10 months, more than 1.5 million people signed the petition in support of an EU ban on fur farming and the trade with fur products on the EU's single market. Project 1882 led the initiative in Sweden and collected nearly 100,000 signatures.
– It feels fantastic that there is such strong commitment, both in Sweden and across the rest of Europe. Now, there is an opportunity for a historic decision that could positively impact millions of animals, says Benny Andersson, CEO of Project 1882.
The citizen initiative Fur Free Europe was launched in May 2022 and received support from Project 1882 along with over 80 other organisations in Europe. Its aim is to advocate for the ban of fur farming and the trade in fur products across the EU. To progress in the political process, the initiative requires a minimum of 1 million validated signatures, a goal which has already been surpassed with a significant margin of 1.5 million names.
– 1.5 million EU citizens have spoken. Now is the time to consign the fur industry to history, once and for all. I eagerly anticipate the proposal moving forward and hope for the support of the European Parliament, says Benny Andersson, CEO of Project 1882.
Support from politicians
Despite the fact that 8 out of 10 Swedish voters want to see a ban on fur farming, and a majority of voters of all parliamentary parties, only three of the Swedish parties are in favour of a national ban – the Green Party (Miljöpariet), the Left Party (Vänsterpartiet) and the Liberals (Liberalerna). Out of the 27 member states of the EU, over 20 have either banned fur farming or are in the process of doing so. Sweden stands increasingly isolated in its allowance of systematic animal cruelty to persist. Project 1882 hopes that all parties agree that fur farming is not the future and therefore take the opportunity to express their support for a phase-out at EU level.
What happens next?
The collected signatures were validated to 1.5 million names, demonstrating significant public support.
In the autumn of 2023, the initiative was presented in a public hearing as well as debated in the European Parliament, both of which showcased strong support. On 7 December, the European Commission responded to the initiative. While not fully aligning with the voiced concerns of EU citizens, the response signifies a progressive stride toward a fur-free Europe. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has been assigned to present a scientific opinion by March 2025. Subsequently, the Commission has pledged to contemplate measures consistent with the initiative by March 2026. While the pathway toward an EU-wide ban on fur farming and trade with fur products has been initiated, the final decision may take some time.
Project 1882 has long been advocating for a complete phasing out of the fur industry, and this represents an important step towards realising that goal.
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Through political advocacy work Project 1882 is making a difference for the animals that are the most exploited and suffer the worst.