In light of the lack of any reference to the revision of the EU's animal welfare laws in the European Commission’s 2026 Work Programme, FOUR PAWS is calling on the Commission to act on its commitment to modernise the legislative framework and set a concrete timeframe for action. 

The absence of any mention to the revision of the EU's decade-old animal welfare legislation stands in stark contrast to Commissioner Várhelyi’s repeated assertions- including at the EU Platform on Animal Welfare - to table a first proposal by the end of 2026. Notably with a completed "Call for Evidence" and a Public Consultation on the modernisation underway. 

And during last Friday’s midday press briefing, referring to the matter, the Commission representatives stressed that “It is a work in progress, and we plan to have a proposal on animal welfare next year.”  While this offers some reassurance, the absence of any mention in the Work Programme - which, albeit non-exhaustive, reflects the executive's intentions and priorities - is an odd way of showing it. 

FOUR PAWS stands ready to engage constructively with the Commission and European Parliament to secure a final proposal that achieves significant and enduring progress in animal welfare. Real change will only be achieved through binding legislation.