May 4, 2022

European Citizens' Initiative calls for excluding livestock farming from subsidies

The European Commission decided to register a European Citizens' Initiative (ECI) entitled "End The Slaughter Age", which calls for the exclusion of livestock farming from activities eligible for agricultural subsidies.

Instead, the initiative argues for the inclusion of ethical and ecological alternatives, such as cell farming and plant proteins. They also called for the introduction of incentives for the production and sale of plant-based and cellular agricultural products.

As the ECI fulfills formal conditions, the European Commission considers that it is legally admissible. The commission has not analysed the substance of the proposal at this stage.

Following registration, the organisers of the initiative have six months to open signature collection.

If a European Citizens' Initiative receives one million statements of support within one year from at least seven different EU member states, the commission will have to react. The Commission could decide either to take the request forward and will be required to explain its reasoning.

- European Commission