Gathered outside the European Commission, our event launched a 190‑day countdown to autumn 2026—when the Commission has again promised to start delivering proposals to ban cages for farmed animals. For the farmers, and the 1.4 million citizens who supported the successful End the Cage Age European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI), this moment cannot come soon enough.

Farmers proving cage-free is viable

Today Brussels witnessed real-life stories by farmers who are proving that animal welfare, environmental sustainability, and farm viability can and must go hand in hand.

Several farmers from across Europe shared their insights into running successful, higher-welfare, cage-free farms. Their message was clear: cage-free farming is not only possible; it’s already happening across Europe.

As Dutch hens farmer Eva Vos from Initiatiefnemer Natuurboerderij KipEigen told us:

It's wonderful to see how we can give chickens the best life they deserve, while at the same time we can make positive impacts on biodiversity, climate and producing healthy products. In this regenerative system, the synergy is there.

Farmers from Austria, the Netherlands, and France echoed her words—describing cage-free farming as better for animals, better for soil and biodiversity, and commercially viable when the playing field is fair.

190 days to keep its promise

The Commission previously committed to proposing legislation to End the Cage Age following the successful European Citizens’ Initiative supported by 1.4 million EU citizens. That commitment was expected in 2023 but remains outstanding.

With around 300 million animals still kept in cages each year, farmers highlighted that the delay is affecting their competitiveness. Many have invested early in higher-welfare systems, but are being held back by outdated regulations and a market distorted by cheaper, caged production.

Vinciane Patelou, Head of EU at Compassion in World Farming, said:

Today, European farmers have come to the European Commission to show that a cage-free future is not only possible, it’s already happening. With 190 days until the Commission is due to bring forward proposals, farmers and citizens are calling on the EU to deliver on its promise and finally End the Cage Age for the 300 million animals still trapped in cages each year.

United to improve the life of millions

Commission officials and Members of the European Parliament including Veronika Vrecionová and Arash Saeidi joined the event – co-organised with Eurogroup for Animals, Animal International and FOUR PAWS International. Discussions centred on the need to improve animal welfare standards across the EU and level the playing field for farmers paving the way to a cage-free future.

Farmers are demonstrating leadership. Citizens continue to demand higher welfare.

The EU now has an opportunity to provide the policy framework needed to support innovation, investment, and a fair, cage-free future for European farming.

We urge the Commission to keep its promise: we need ambitious legislative proposals to end cages for all farmed animals by the end of 2026. The clock is ticking.

Many leading companies are already backing an EU‑wide ban on cages. To explore how your organisation can support this transition, please contact us.

Farmers joined our call to End the Cage Age