Next week, the European Parliament will vote on a resolution ‘Plans and actions to accelerate a transition to innovation without the use of animals in research, regulatory testing and education’ following a question introduced by MEPs representing a spectrum of political groups.

When they vote, we’re asking MEPs to support a call on the European Commission to publish an Action Plan with concrete proposals and objectives for phasing out reliance on the use of animals in research, regulatory testing and education in the EU.

Polling we commissioned in 2020 showed that nearly three quarters (72%) of adults in EU member states agree that the EU should set binding targets and deadlines to phase out testing on animals.

Directive 2010/63/EU on the protection of animals used for scientific purposes in the EU already recognises that the final goal is the full replacement of procedures on live animals for scientific and educational purposes. However, whilst an important piece of legislation, the directive is not a strategy designed to drive the achievement of that final goal.

This is one of the reasons why the number of animals used in scientific procedures in EU laboratories has remained stagnant at around ten million animals annually. The rapid emergence of advanced non-animal models such as organs-on-a-chip, pathway-based approaches and computer models today offers immense opportunities to replace animals and improve research. Relying on the Directive alone won’t move the EU away from the status quo towards advanced scientific and technologic innovation, and won’t create a framework for modern, human-relevant science.

Our Director of Public Affairs, Kerry Postlewhite, said: “We urgently need the Commission to work with stakeholders, including member states, industry and scientists, to produce an Action Plan with concrete milestones and timelines to accelerate the reduction of the number of animals used in testing and experiments and move much more quickly towards the final goal of ending animal use across the European Union. We also need the transition process to be supported by adequate funding. Sadly, the amount of EU and member state funding for animal-free research remains tiny compared with funds for animal studies.”

If you live in the EU, why not ask your MEPs to support the need for an Action Plan to phase out animal use in research, regulatory testing and education by setting a clear pathway with milestones and timelines that encompass all relevant sectors and actors in the European Union.  Home | MEPs | European Parliament (europa.eu)