On World Cage-Free Day (25 March), we stood shoulder-to-shoulder with farmers and members of the End the Cage Age coalition in Brussels. Together, we urged the European Commission to introduce its promised proposals to end the use of cages in farming.

A cage-free countdown

Our joint event launched a 190‑day countdown to autumn 2026 – when the Commission has again promised to start delivering proposals to ban cages for farmed animals. For the farmers, campaigners, and the millions of animals still trapped in cages, this moment cannot come soon enough.

A different kind of farmers’ gathering

Instead of blocking roads and setting squares on fire, Brussels today witnessed something more powerful: real-life stories by farmers who shared their insights into running successful, higher-welfare, cage-free farms.

As Dutch hen farmer, Eva Vos, told us:

It's wonderful to see how we can give chickens the best life they deserve, while at the same time we can make positive impacts on biodiversity, climate and producing healthy products. In this regenerative system, the synergy is there. It’s all happening on our small-scale community supported farm, KipEigen.

Farmers from Austria, the Netherlands, and France echoed her words and had one clear message: cage-free farming is not only possible; it’s already happening across Europe.

190 days to keep a promise

Following the successful End the Cage Age European Citizens’ Initiative, the Commission pledged to introduce legislative proposals for an EU‑wide ban on caged farming by 2023, but this commitment has not been fulfilled.

Vinciane Patelou, Head of our EU office, said:

With 190 days until the Commission is due to bring forward proposals, farmers, campaigners and citizens are calling on the EU to deliver on its promise and finally End the Cage Age for the 300 million animals still trapped in cages each year.

United to improve the lives of millions

Commission officials and Members of the European Parliament, including Veronika Vrecionová and Arash Saeidi, joined our event – co-organised with Eurogroup for Animals, Animal International and FOUR PAWS International.

EU citizens are watching. Farmers are speaking out. And Europe’s credibility on animal welfare is at stake.

Help support our campaigns to End the Cage Age and phase out cruel farming practices around the world by donating today.

Farmers join our call to End the Cage Age in the EU