How are animal experiments regulated in the EU?
Since 2010, the EU has had in place a directive to regulate animal testing across countries. The harmonized legal framework should ensure throughout the EU that animal testing can only be carried out to the highest standards. However, in practice it has become apparent that implementation in the EU countries leads to a patchwork quilt and both the EU Parliament and EU citizens are dissatisfied with the current legal situation.
Directive 2010/63
At the European level, Directive 2010/63/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 22 September 2010 on the protection of animals used for scientific purposes is particularly relevant. According to this directive, the EU sets a target to be achieved, but corresponding legislation must be enacted by the individual countries themselves. Directive 2010/63 entered into force in 2010. For example, Article 4 of the Directive outlines the principle of replacement, reduction and refinement (3Rs) of animal testing: wherever possible, a scientifically satisfactory method or experimental strategy that does not involve the use of live animals shall be used instead of an animal test. Article 13 specifies the choice of method. Other important achievements of the Directive are the introduction of an upper limit for pain and suffering and a general authorisation requirement for all animal experiments.
Directive prevents higher standards in EU countries
However, the directive has also been criticized by animal welfare groups. For example, the European umbrella organization of animal welfare associations, the Eurogroup for Animals, of which Animalfree Research is also a member, notes that while the directive allows EU countries some flexibility in its implementation, countries cannot independently implement higher standards. This requires the approval of all member countries. The Eurogroup for Animals conducted a review in 2017, concluding that the oversight bodies and project evaluation’s quality, transparency, and impact would differ significantly across the EU.
Protest from the EU population
The EU Parliament is also dissatisfied. In 2021, it called for an EU-wide action plan to phase out animal testing in a resolution. For example, sufficient funding should be made available to ensure the rapid development, validation and introduction of alternative testing methods. The resolution was adopted by 667 votes to 4, calling on the EU Commission to act. As this decision is not binding, several European animal welfare organizations and the Eurogroup for Animals launched a European Citizens› Initiative to demonstrate to the Commission that citizens also want a change. At the end of August 2022, more than 1.4 million signatures were handed over.
For the phase-out of animal testing
Animalfree Research is a member of the Eurogroup for Animals and supports the efforts for a phase-out plan on a European level. Help us to reach our goal!
