The European Commission has adopted a new Livestock Strategy and accompanying Protein Action Plan designed to ensure the long-term strength, resilience, and sustainability of Europe’s livestock sector while reinforcing the continent’s food security.

The strategy, which is the first of its kind, outlines actions to help livestock farmers navigate economic, environmental, and market challenges. It is structured around five core priorities:

• A resilient livestock sector prepared for crisis
• A competitive livestock sector in the EU and globally
• A sustainable livestock sector
• A livestock sector fit for all farms and regions
• Excellence in livestock production

Progress on animal welfare

The Strategy aimed to modernise EU animal welfare legislation and continue raising standards, in particular to follow-up on the European Citizens' Initiative ‘End the Cage Age.' First, the Commission will present by the end of 2026 a proposal to update animal welfare rules for laying hens and broilers. The proposals will also promote the uptake of innovative technologies, supported by EU funding, to improve animal welfare and respond to societal demand. This includes measures to phase out the systematic killing of male day-old chicks and better monitoring of animal welfare outcome indicators, with the support of innovative technical solutions.

Read more: 

Factsheet on the Livestock Strategy and Protein Action Plan

Questions and answers on the Livestock Strategy and Protein Action Plan