FRCAW | European Parliament: Written answer to Question E-002013/2025: Mink farming and the protection of animal welfare

Document type: Answer from the European Commission to Question E-002013/2025

Authors: question : Sigrid Friis (Renew), Maria Noichl (S&D), Petras Auštrevičius (Renew), Günther Sidl (S&D), Tilly Metz (Verts/ALE), Sirpa Pietikäinen (PPE), Maria Zacharia (NI), Anna Strolenberg (Verts/ALE). Answer: Mr Várhelyi on behalf of the European Commission

Preview: Question. Council Directive 98/58/EC of 20 July 1998 concerning the protection of animals kept for farming purposes[1] explicitly includes animals bred for fur production. Articles 3 and 4, along with the relevant provisions in the Annex, set out obligations that apply to mink farming. In 2023, 24 scientists addressed an open letter to the Commission, presenting assessments such as:
'There is no doubt that the practice of farming animals for fur breaches the most fundamental principles of animal welfare. It has never been possible to design a farming system in line with the species-specific needs of animals bred for their fur.'
'The evidence is clear that no more research is needed to confirm that fur farming and animal welfare cannot go hand in hand.'
In light of this, we ask the Commission:
1.Will the Commission provide a legal analysis as to whether the practice of keeping mink in small wire-mesh cages is compatible with the requirements set out in the Directive?
2.Is the Commission legally obliged to ensure full compliance with this Directive, and does it consider itself committed to strengthening enforcement of EU legislation, particularly in view of the Commission President's mission letters to the current Commissioners?
Answer in English (original) : 1. The Commission is currently looking at the welfare of fur animals in the context of the European Citizens Initiative (ECI) 'Fur Free Europe'.[1]asking the Commission to take action to prohibit: (i) the keeping and killing of animals for the sole or main purpose of fur production; and (ii) the placement of farmed animal fur, and products containing such fur, on the EU market. The requirements of Directive 98/58/EC[2] will be considered in this context. The Commission adopted a Communication on the ECI[3] setting out its legal and political conclusions and actions it intends to take in response.
2. The Commission has planned to communicate, by March 2026, whether it considers appropriate to propose a prohibition, after a transition period, on the keeping in farms and killing of fur animals, including mink, or alternatively to adopt through EU legislation, appropriate standards suited to better address the welfare needs of such animals. Prohibition of or requirements for imports will also be considered. The primary responsibility for implementing and enforcing EU law lies with the Member States. Directives need to be transposed in Member States' national legislation and the Commission assesses whether this process is complete and meets the objectives set by the Directive. The Commission is committed to strengthening the Member States' proper application of the EU animal welfare legislation, as enforcement is a crucial element to ensure a high level of animal welfare. In its role as guardian of the Treaties, the Commission will continue monitoring the situation and may decide to take appropriate action.