1. AW Strategy 2012 -2015 EUROPEAN LIVESTOCK AND MEAT TRADES UNION UECBV

2.  19th January 2012: the EC adopted a new four-year strategy (2012-2015) on AW in the form of a Commission Communication to the EP and the Council that is geared to further improve the protection and welfare of animals in the European Union.  The strategy highlights the importance of reinforcing actions that the Commission has already carried out such as: -enhance tools to strengthen Member States' compliance with existing legislation, -provide consumers with better information enabling them to make more informed and empowered choices, -develop further marketing strategies including EU trading partners. nimal Welfare Animal Welfare Strategy

3. Main findings: Lack of enforcement of EU legislation by the Member States is still common in a number of areas Consumers' lack of appropriate information on animal welfare aspects. Many stakeholders lack sufficient knowledge about animal welfare Gaps in EU legislation which make it harder to ensure adequate welfare conditions for some categories of animals. nimal Welfare Animal Welfare Strategy

4. EU Strategic Actions: The strategy is based on two complementary approaches: 1.A holistic approach by considering the possibility of establishing a new EU legislative framework for animal welfare. 2.Reinforcement of existing EU actions in certain areas. In addition, simplification of legislative framework by: Develop tools, including where relevant implementing plans, to strengthen Member States' compliance. Support international cooperation. Provide consumers and the public with appropriate information. The establishment of European Network of Reference centers Optimize synergistic effects from current Common Agriculture Policy. nimal Welfare Animal Welfare Strategy

5. Actions foreseen for the next years with interest to the AEMB: 2012: EU implementing rules or guidelines on the protection of animals during transport 2012: Implementing plan and enforcement actions on the grouping of sows (Directive 2008/120/EC) 2012: Implementing plan for the slaughter regulation [Council Regulation (EC) No.1099/2009] 2013: Study on animal welfare education and on information activities directed at the general public and consumers 2014: Possible legislative proposal for a simplified EU legislative framework for animal welfare 2014: Report on the impact of animal welfare international activities on the competitiveness of European livestock producers in a globalized world 2014: EU guidelines or implementing rules on the protection of animals at the time of killing nimal Welfare Animal Welfare Strategy

6. Next steps: 29Febuary-1March 2012: Commission/Danish Presidency conference on the EU animal welfare strategy - "Implementing animal welfare through the new EU strategy: consumer empowerment and market opportunities" in Brussels. EP debate: COMAGRI rapporteur: PAULSEN Marit, MEP (March- April 2012) Council debate: the EC communication will be examined at the working party level and conclusions by the Ministers are expected at the Council meeting of May. nimal Welfare Animal Welfare Strategy

7. www.uecbv.eu Thank you very much for your attention!