Across Europe, nearly 300 million farmed animals spend most of their lives confined in cages every year—unable to turn around, stretch, or express natural behaviours. An overwhelming 89% of Europeans don’t want this. Through the End the Cage Age European Citizens’ Initiative, over a million people issued one of the clearest democratic mandates in EU agricultural policy: it’s time to relegate cages to the history books.
Citizens are not alone in demanding change. The European Commission’s Strategic Dialogue on the Future of EU Agriculture, including farmers’ organisations, has called for a cage phase-out and public funding for the transition. Leading European food businesses have abandoned caged systems, demonstrating that animal welfare and economic resilience go hand in hand. Several EU countries are pioneering financial incentives and legislative reforms to help farmers adopt higher-welfare methods. These trailblazing efforts show what is possible when political will and targeted funding meet.
Convergence is needed at EU level, too. “The direction of travel is clear; cages are becoming obsolete,” Animal Welfare Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi put it clearly, echoing the Vision on Agriculture and Food which confirmed the imminent reform of the animal welfare legislation, including a ban on cages. The next EU budget must match this ambition with appropriate funding to support farmers transition.
Producers need the confidence to invest in infrastructure and secure loans or private investment for long‑term planning
The Common Agricultural Policy must be adequately funded to address the challenges of our current agrifood system and ensure the transition to higher-welfare, extensive animal farming. Member States need to be incentivised – if not mandated – to invest a meaningful portion of their national envelope on genuine animal welfare improvements. Countries with high-density, intensive animal farming sectors should have an obligation to orient their production towards extensive farming, in line with the evolution of the markets.
This is not only a duty to the animals, but it’s also an investment to futureproof European agriculture in line with citizens' expectations and consumer demand. Producers need the confidence to invest in infrastructure and secure loans or private investment for long‑term planning.
Higher‑welfare, agroecological systems also reduce reliance on antibiotics – lowering the risks of antimicrobial resistance and future pandemics – and supporting better environmental outcomes. This is critical at a time when climate change, biodiversity loss, and soil degradation put EU food production and food sovereignty at risk, threatening national security. We cannot talk about competitiveness on a planet heading towards ecological collapse or expect prosperity in a society plagued by chronic health threats. Investing in cage‑free, higher‑welfare systems is not only humane—it’s a strategic security measure.
Ending the Cage Age is not just an ethical imperative. It’s a long‑term investment in the security, sustainability, and sovereignty of European agriculture
As negotiations unfold on the next Multiannual Financial Framework, the EU faces a choice - continue to prop up outdated systems that Europeans reject or invest in sustainable, humane farming that strengthens resilience, reflects democratic will, and solidifies Europe’s commitment to leaving no one behind – farmed animals included.
Ending the Cage Age is not just an ethical imperative. It’s a long‑term investment in the security, sustainability, and sovereignty of European agriculture.
Sign up to The Parliament's weekly newsletter
Every Friday our editorial team goes behind the headlines to offer insight and analysis on the key stories driving the EU agenda. Subscribe for free here.