During the plenary session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg (07 - 10 June 2021), MEPs debate the European Citizens' Initiative "End the cage age": They ask for financiel support for farmers, and the same production rules in all the EU to avoid unfair competition. Statements by Norbert LINS (EPP, DE), Rapporteur, Tatjana ŽDANOKA (Greens/EFA, LV), Rapporteur, Stella KYRIAKIDES, European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, Jérémy DECERLE (Renew, FR), Eric ANDRIEU (S&D, FR), and Francisco GUERREIRO (Greens/EFA, PT).

European Citizens' Initiative "End the cage age": extracts from the debate

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Title: European Citizens&apos; Initiative &quot;End the cage age&quot;: extracts from the debate

Exterior shots of the EP in Strasbourg, France

SOUNDBITE (German), Norbert LINS (EPP, DE), Rapporteur, One point four million citizens and 170 organisations from all 27 member states signed up to the European citizens' initiative to end the cage age.

SOUNDBITE (German), Norbert LINS (EPP, DE), Rapporteur, It is a question of striking the right balance. So in 2027, we're suggesting that's a possible date that should be explored to end the cage age. Also, an impact assessment needs to be carried out for Vetinari. A secure approach. That's something we would support. And we know that those who are husbanding animals, they need incentives, they need compensation. And it's a question of competitiveness of agriculture in Europe

SOUNDBITE (English), Tatjana &#381;DANOKA (Greens/EFA, LV), Rapporteur, I asked the commission not to disappoint over a million people waiting for legislative aspects and steps to our great. These steps were not undertaken and the optional character of the commission section is a response to an citizens initiative is maintained.

SOUNDBITE (English), Stella KYRIAKIDES, European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, Our rules need to change and that is a very clear call from our citizens. During the hearing, the organisers of the citizens' initiative also called for measures to accompany the phasing out of cages such as financial support for farmers in respect to the transition they will go through, and an application of the same standards for imported products. The commission is looking at these requests, taking into account the need for a science based approach and the EU's obligation under the WTO.

SOUNDBITE (English), Stella KYRIAKIDES, European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, It's clear that in this endeavour we need to adapt to measures that will mitigate the impact on farmers when they need to make structural adaptations to the way they produce. And at the same time, we acknowledge the need for. sustainable food systems, the. ethical dimensions around farming animals, and the need to find solutions that for farmers. But society at large.

SOUNDBITE (French), J&#233;r&#233;my DECERLE (Renew, FR), The resolution before us is a balanced response which really replies to the requirements that society have had. There is a question.Of wanting to push things on, but without just being demagogical about this, because that wouldn't help and some people would like to stop things immediately. But I don't think that would actually help the chickens and rabbits as much, because once again, we have to be pragmatic and do everything necessary to make sure we make headway. Innovation has a price as well, and the practises that farmers carry out has to have a price to food, has a price. We have to make sure that we have strong rules and demanding about them.

SOUNDBITE (French), Eric ANDRIEU (S&amp;D, FR), We have to ban cage breeding throughout Europe as soon as possible and on this symbolic day, we could almost sing in unison the mythical French song. "Open, open the cage to the stone birds" from Pierre Perret, songwriter and performer. But to open the cages quickly and efficiently, we need serious scientific impact studies as soon as possible to make this transition as correctly as possible.

SOUNDBITE (French), Eric ANDRIEU (S&amp;D, FR), All products of animal origin imported into the Union should be produced according to the same rules in order to avoid unfair competition against our European farmers.

SOUNDBITE (English), Francisco GUERREIRO (Greens/EFA, PT), Today the parliament must send a clear signal. Katch farming must be a thing from the past. As for twenty twenty seven. In the European Union. And to protect our farmers, it is also of utmost importance that important products respect the same rules followed in the EU. But why should this ban happen in 2027? Because the ban must be too soon or too late. Otherwise, those farmers who transit first will be in disadvantage if there is a longer transition period.

Event date	10/06/2021
Reference:	I207071V
Format:	16:9 format
Copyright:	© European Union
copyrightYear:	2021

European Citizens' Initiative "End the cage age": extracts from the debate

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