Over the past two years, plant-based food consumption has grown by 49% across the EU, reaching a total sales volume of €3.6 billion.
EU Animal Research Regulations
2025-05-15
EU Animal Research Regulations
Animal research in the European Union (EU) is regulated byDirective 2010/63/EU on the protection of animals used for scientific purposessupervision.
The ultimate aim of the directive is to replace all animal research with non-animal research methods, such as organoids or through computer simulations.
The Directive harmonized animal research legislation across the EU to ensure high standards of animal welfare and scientific research. It was transposed into national law in each EU member state in 2013. Member states that had stricter measures in place to protect research animals before the directive was introduced can retain them, as long as they do not hinder scientific collaboration and trade within the EU.
Animals may be used in research in the EU only when there is a compelling scientific rationale, when the expected benefits of the research outweigh the potential risks in terms of animal suffering, and when the scientific objectives cannot be achieved using non-animal alternatives. Only projects that meet these requirements can be authorised.
The directive provides for the implementation of substitution, reduction and improvementThe 3R principleThe law requires: replacing animals with non-animal methods whenever possible; reducing the number of animals used to a minimum while still obtaining scientifically valid results; and improving practices to reduce any possible pain, suffering, distress, or lasting harm to animals.
In the EU, animals are used for limited research purposes, including basic research, applied research into human and animal diseases and treatments, protection of species and the environment, and education and training., an EU-wide ban on animal testing for cosmetic purposesCompleted.