2026: The year to finally end fur farming in Europe
Millions of Europeans have spoken — and now it’s time for Europe’s leaders to act. The Fur Free Europe campaign, a European Citizens’ Initiative coordinated by Eurogroup for Animals and more than 80 partner organisations, is demanding the end of fur farming and the sale of farmed fur products across the European Union.
Why Fur Farming Must End
Animals on fur farms, including mink, foxes, raccoon dogs and chinchillas, live their entire lives in tiny, barren cages, suffering extreme stress, injury, disease and psychological trauma. These conditions are fundamentally incompatible with their physical and behavioural needs.
Fur farming isn’t just unethical… it poses serious risks to people and the planet too. During the COVID-19 pandemic, thousands of mink were infected on fur farms, leading to virus transmission back to humans and mutation risks. Fur production is also one of the more polluting sectors in the fashion industry, with toxic chemicals used in dressing and dyeing harming ecosystems.
A Historic Citizen Movement
Launched in May 2022, the Fur Free Europe initiative rapidly became one of the most successful European Citizens’ Initiatives ever!! More than 1.7 million signatures were collected and 1.5 million officially validated by EU Member States.
That signature threshold means the European Commission must now decide what action to take. Rather than simply improving welfare standards (which scientific evidence shows cannot meaningfully protect these animals), a full ban on fur farming and the sale of fur products is urgently needed.
Where Things Stand Now
In December 2023, the Commission published its initial response, leaving open different options, including a possible ban on fur farming and fur product sales, or weaker regulatory measures.
In 2025, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) released a scientific opinion concluding that animal welfare on fur farms cannot be adequately addressed under existing systems.
The Commission is expected to announce its final decision by March 2026, a crucial turning point in the campaign.
Why Your Voice Still Matters
Even though the initiative has achieved record support, the fight isn’t over. The European Commission is currently deciding whether to adopt a complete ban and citizens across Europe can still influence that outcome.
That’s where you come in :)
Take Action: Write to the EU Commissioners
Now is the time to urge Europe’s leadership to honour the voices of the public and the best available science:
📩 Send a message to all EU Commissioners today — telling them to respect the Fur Free Europe initiative, protect animal welfare, and champion a full ban on fur farming and the placing of fur products on the EU market.
Whether you’re an EU resident or a compassionate supporter from outside the EU, your message adds weight to this vital campaign. Personal voices showing concern for animal welfare, public health and environmental protection make a difference.
