Communication from the Commission on the follow-up from the European Citizens’ Initiative “Fur Free Europe”

CALL FOR EVIDENCE Ref. Ares(2025)5381928 - 04/07/2025 FOR AN INITIATIVE (without an impact assessment) This document aims to inform the public and stakeholders about the Commission’s work, so they can provide feedback and participate effectively in consultation activities. We ask these groups to provide views on the Commission’s understanding of the problem and possible solutions, and to give us any relevant information they may have. TITLE OF THE INITIATIVE The ‘Fur Free Europe’ European citizens’ initiative (assessment) LEAD DG – RESPONSIBLE UNIT DG SANTE, G3 LIKELY TYPE OF INITIATIVE Non-legislative INDICATIVE TIMING Q1 2026 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Policy area: animal welfare ‘Fur Free Europe’ European Citizens Initiative (ECI) This document is for information purposes only. It does not prejudge the final decision of the Commission on whether this initiative will be pursued or on its final content. All elements of the initiative described by this document, including its timing, are subject to change. A. Political context, problem definition and subsidiarity check Political context In June 2023, the ‘Fur Free Europe’ European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI) was formally submitted to the Commission. Under this initiative, 1.5 million EU citizens called upon 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 on the EU market of farmed animal fur...