On July 7th 2026, the European Commission published its new EU Livestock Strategy, setting out its vision for the future of livestock farming across Europe. 

The strategy includes several encouraging commitments that could improve the lives of millions of farm animals. While these proposals must now be translated into legislation, they represent a positive step in the right direction. 

Among the commitments announced are plans to: 

• Phase out cages for laying hens and sows. 

• End the systematic killing of male chicks. 

• Introduce animal welfare considerations for imported animal products. 

• Reduce the suffering caused by live animal transport through improved slaughter infrastructure and alternatives to live exports. 

At Animal Action Greece, we warmly welcome these commitments.  

As a dedicated member of Eurogroup for Animals, we have proudly supported campaigns calling for stronger protections for farm animals, including the End the Cage Age campaign and ongoing efforts to improve the welfare of animals transported across Europe. 

These campaigns have been driven by years of collaboration between animal welfare organisations, policymakers and millions of citizens who have called for meaningful change. Seeing these issues reflected in the European Commission’s strategy is an encouraging sign that animal welfare is once again being recognised as a priority. 

However, this is only the beginning. 

These commitments must now become robust legislation, supported by clear timelines, effective enforcement and the resources needed to ensure they make a real difference for animals. 

There are also important challenges that remain. Europe still needs to move towards food systems that place animal welfare at their core, ensuring that the wellbeing of animals is not treated as secondary to economic competitiveness. 

Animal Action Greece will continue working alongside Eurogroup for Animals and partners across Europe to advocate for stronger protections and help ensure yesterday’s commitments become tomorrow’s reality. 

For millions of animals, this is an important step forward. Now, we must ensure the momentum continues.