EU Animal Welfare Proposal Stalls Amid Farming Interests Clash

As of October 14, 2025, an EU proposal aimed at improving animal transport conditions has hit a wall, with negotiations deadlocked and its future uncertain. The draft legislation, introduced two years ago, sought to cap journey times for slaughter-bound animals at nine hours, increase space in transport vehicles, and mandate night-time travel during extreme heat.

However, the proposal has faced fierce opposition from several member states and the right wing of the European Parliament. Lawmakers say the legislation is being blocked because it poses a "challenge to intensive farming practices." With no timeline for moving forward, the situation remains completely stuck, according to Tilly Metz, the Green EU lawmaker who sponsored the bill.

Farmers' unions have strongly opposed the proposal, arguing that the existing 2005 legislation is already "among the most advanced worldwide." They claim the real issue lies with the lack of enforcement of current rules. The commission's proposal is rooted in scientific advice to improve animal health and food safety, but farming groups have criticized it as "out of touch."

Animal welfare advocates are urging the EU to both tighten border checks and strengthen its internal rules, citing recent cases of animals trapped for days or weeks at the Bulgaria-Turkey border. However, the future of the legislation remains uncertain as EU lawmakers and member states continue to grapple with the issue.