In a landmark move, the European Union has appointed its first-ever Commissioner for Health and Animal Welfare, marking a significant shift in its approach to animal protection. Hungarian politician Olivér Várhelyi has been named for the role, which was announced in September 2024 as part of the new European Commission led by Ursula von der Leyen. This new role reflects the EU’s growing recognition of animal welfare as a critical issue, distinct from agriculture, and aims to address the increasing public demand for better treatment of animals across Europe.
The decision to create this position follows years of advocacy from animal rights organizations such as GAIA and Animal Equality. Their campaign, #EUforAnimals, successfully gathered over 310,000 signatures from European citizens and gained the support of more than 200 Members of the European Parliament. This appointment is seen as a response to these efforts, as well as public opinion polls showing widespread concern for animal welfare across the EU.
One of Várhelyi’s key tasks will be to reform outdated EU animal welfare legislation, which has been in place for over two decades. His portfolio includes addressing animal transport conditions, ensuring cage-free farming systems by 2026, and tackling illegal pet trade across the bloc. Animal rights groups have expressed hope that his leadership will bring much-needed change, though there are also concerns about his limited background in animal welfare issues.
The new commissioner is also expected to oversee a broader integration of animal welfare into EU health and environmental policies. This aligns with the EU’s sustainability goals, as improving animal welfare is seen as closely linked to public health and environmental protection. Várhelyi’s work will also involve collaborating with other sectors, such as agriculture and fisheries, to promote humane practices across the EU.
This appointment marks a historic moment for the EU, as it places animal welfare at the center of its policy-making for the first time. While there is cautious optimism about the changes Várhelyi could bring, his parliamentary hearings and future actions will be closely watched by both animal rights activists and political leaders. The success of this role may set a precedent for other regions to follow in prioritizing animal welfare at a policy level.
