A broken promise affecting millions

The case originates from our hugely successful End the Cage Age ECI, signed by 1.4 million EU citizens and backed by 170 NGOs.

In 2021, the European Commission pledged to introduce legislative proposals for an EU‑wide ban on caged farming by 2023. This commitment was never fulfilled.

We expect the Court to issue its ruling in this pivotal case from the end of July at the earliest.

A decision validating the Committee’s arguments would not only transform the lives of the millions of farmed animals still suffering in cages across Europe, but also strengthen the credibility of the ECI – the only tool of direct democracy available to EU citizens.

No more delays

Annamaria Pisapia, Head of Compassion in World Farming Italy and spokesperson for the EtCA Citizens’ Committee, emphasised the magnitude of the moment:

The ruling on this case is not only crucial for animal welfare and the 300 million animals still suffering in cages, it’s also vital for democracy – it's the first of its kind to hold the Commission to account for its failure to act on a European Citizens’ Initiative that it has committed to deliver.

Today’s hearing demonstrated that the Court is taking this matter very seriously – it was referred to a chamber with a larger panel of very engaged judges and they asked highly pertinent questions of our lawyers.

We hope the Court agrees that the Commission must publish a new, clear timeline for proposals - for the sake of both animal welfare and citizens’ trust in participatory democracy.

An overwhelming 89% of EU citizens – around 400 million people – believe animals should not be farmed in individual cages. Yet, across Europe, around 300 million pigs, hens, rabbits, ducks, quail and geese still spend most of their lives in cages every year. Animals kept in cages are often confined in barren environments, either overcrowded or completely lacking social contact, unable to turn around or express even the most basic behaviours.

Top EU court hears landmark case on need to End the Cage Age