Document type : Implementation decision of the European Commission
Author: Ms Stella Kyriakides for the European Commission
Preview: THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,
Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,
Whereas:
(1) Commission Decision 2017/C 31/12 (1) established an expert group named ‘Platform on Animal Welfare’ (‘the Platform’). The main tasks of the Platform is to assist the Commission and help to hold regular dialogue on Union matters directly related to animal welfare such as enforcement of the legislation, exchanges of scientific knowledge, innovations and good animal welfare practices.
(2) The period of application of Decision 2017/C 31/12 was initially set until 31 December 2019 and was extended until 30 June 2021 by Commission Decision 2019/C 405/05 (2).
(3) Within four years of its functioning, the Platform has become a widely recognised forum for keeping an open dialogue on animal welfare, sharing good practices and undertaking non-legislative initiatives, with the commitment of Member States’ and relevant stakeholders across the Union, aimed to improve the welfare of animals.
(4) On 20 May 2020, the Commission adopted its communication on ‘A Farm to Fork Strategy for a fair, healthy and environmentally friendly food system’ (3). The Strategy includes animal welfare related actions, such as exploring options for an EU animal welfare label, working on issues related to the enforcement of the animal welfare legislation, or collecting views supporting the future revision of the animal welfare legislation. The Platform may play a significant role in shaping those actions.
(5) Furthermore, in the context of the Regulation (EU) 2017/625 of the European Parliament and of the Council (4), the Platform could also assist the Commission with the development of guidance documents or the preparation of non-legislative acts aimed at facilitating and harmonizing the implementation of animal welfare rules, by providing input on technical and scientific issues as well as practical experience in this area.
(6) The Platform should therefore continue its activities, with a renewed membership, to provide meaningful contributions in connection with the current Commission priorities in the field of animal welfare.
(7) It is therefore appropriate that the period of application of Decision 2017/C 31/12 should be extended by 4 years until 30 June 2025.
(8) Decision 2017/C 31/12 should therefore be amended accordingly
