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Citizens' Initiative<\/h2>

This Citizens' Initiative<\/a> reflects a demand for a transition to more ethical and sustainable farming systems, including a revision of existing EU animal welfare rules. Responding to this societal demand is a high priority for the Commission, in line with its commitments in the Farm to Fork Strategy<\/a> and the European Green Deal<\/a>. The Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union defines animals as sentient beings. As a major importer of food, the EU has a moral responsibility to ensure that on-farm conditions for animals reflect its principles, including in respect of the food that it imports.<\/p>

Phasing out cage systems<\/h2>

The phasing-out of cages started 22 years ago, when new legislation for the rearing of laying hens entered into force. Scientific analysis supported the benefits of this approach for other species such as calves and pigs, for which partial prohibitions were introduced in 1997 and 2001 respectively. In its response<\/a> to the European Citizens' Initiative, the Commission commits to table, by the end of 2023, a legislative proposal to phase out, and finally prohibit, the use of cage systems for all animals mentioned in the Initiative. In particular, the Commission's proposal will concern:<\/p>