Most of the EU's egg imports come from countries with strong incentives to meet European animal welfare standards, while existing trade precedents suggest suppliers are more likely to adapt than retaliate. Concerns about how international trading partners might respond should not prevent the European Union from requiring imported eggs to meet the same animal welfare standards as eggs produced within the EU, according to a new report by Animal Policy International. As the Euro

Around nine in ten eggs and egg products imported into the EU come from caged hens, new analysis by Animal Policy International. The value of EU egg imports rose from around €40 million in 2021 to €336 million in 2025, supplied by an estimated nine million or more caged hens. Almost a quarter of those hens produce liquid or dried egg products used in everyday foods. API recommends the European Commission's forthcoming import requirements explicitly cover shell eggs and proces

The European Commission's 2026 Eurobarometer finds 89% of EU citizens agree agricultural imports should only enter the EU if produced to the EU's environmental, animal welfare and labour standards. Support exceeds 75% in every Member State and has held steady for a decade. The finding lands as the Commission prepares its laying hens and broilers proposal, due by the end of 2026, which is set to include equivalent import requirements.

Animal Policy International is encouraged by the European Commission's new Livestock Strategy, and in particular its commitment to apply equivalent animal welfare standards to imported products. It is a significant step, but the detail will determine how much it delivers. Here is our read on what it gets right, and what still needs work.

A veterinary agreement between the UK and EU risks undermining Britain's ability to safeguard animal welfare standards.

Animal Policy International has submitted comprehensive evidence to the European Commission supporting the Fur Free Europe initiative, calling for an EU-wide ban on fur farming and the importation of all farmed fur products.

Read our response to the European Commission's call for evidence on animal welfare legislation

European Commission unveiled Vision for Agriculture and Food that seeks to apply EU animal welfare standards to imported products.

Animal Policy International expresses serious concerns about the animal welfare implications of the EU-Mercosur trade agreement-

An investigation into Indian farms has uncovered distressing conditions for hens, broilers, fish and shrimp.

A new report , Cumulative economic impact of upcoming trade agreements on EU agriculture , from the European Commission has highlighted...

New Eurobarometer on Attitudes of Europeans towards Animal Welfare shows that 84% of people want changes in imports from non-EU countries.