More than 1.5 million people have called for change

The Fur Free Europe European Citizens’ Initiative gathered more than 1.5 million valid signatures, including support from many people in Greece, calling on the EU to end fur farming and the sale of farmed fur products. Despite this strong public support, a comprehensive ban has yet to be confirmed. 

There are compelling reasons for the EU to act: 

• The fur industry is in decline. Demand for animal fur has fallen sharply, with consumers and fashion brands increasingly moving away from products made from wild animals. 

• Fur farming raises public health concerns. Keeping large numbers of animals in intensive farming environments can create risks for animal and human health.  

• Animal welfare cannot be adequately protected in conventional fur farms. The European Food Safety Authority’s scientific assessment highlighted serious welfare problems for species farmed for fur, including mink and foxes. Their behavioural and physiological needs cannot be adequately met in conventional cage systems. 

• A ban could cost less than higher welfare standards. New economic analysis suggests that phasing out fur farming could be the more cost-effective option. 

A ban could be cheaper than improving fur farms 

A recent report commissioned by Eurogroup for Animals compares the estimated public costs of phasing out fur farming with the costs of introducing higher welfare standards. 

The report estimates that a five-year phase-out of fur farming across the EU would cost approximately €144 million. By comparison, introducing higher welfare standards could cost between €201 million and €920 million, depending on the measures adopted. 

Even these higher standards would not resolve the fundamental welfare problems associated with keeping wild animals in captivity for their fur. Changes such as larger enclosures and additional water would not give animals the space and opportunities they need to express their natural behaviours. 

Why spend public money trying to sustain an industry associated with serious animal welfare concerns when a planned phase-out could cost less and bring those concerns to an end? 

Why this matters to Animal Action Greece 

While a number of European countries have already prohibited fur farming, Greece remains one of the countries where fur production has historically taken place. Animal Action Greece believes that no animal should be bred, confined and killed for fashion. We work alongside animal welfare organisations in Greece and across Europe to support an end to fur farming and to promote more compassionate and sustainable alternatives. 

An EU-wide ban would help ensure that animals are protected consistently across all Member States and prevent the continuation of practices that cause unnecessary suffering. 

The European Commission must act now 

The evidence is mounting. More than 1.5 million citizens have called for change, the fur industry is declining, serious animal welfare and public health concerns remain, and the economic case for a ban is compelling. 

Denmark’s latest decision is another sign that fur farming is becoming increasingly difficult to justify. The European Commission now has an opportunity to respond to public concern and move towards a fur-free Europe. 

Animal Action Greece supports the call for an end to fur farming and the sale of farmed fur products across the EU. Animals should not have to endure a lifetime of confinement and suffering for their fur. 

Help us take action today 

The European Commission needs to hear that citizens expect meaningful action, not measures that leave the fundamental problems of fur farming unresolved. 

Add your voice to the campaign. Visit Eurogroup for Animals’ Fur Free Europe campaign page to learn more and take action today.