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SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

: : About the issue

It is recognised that there is a link between sustainable development and good animal welfare practice.

Sustainable development has been defined as “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs” (Brundtland Commission, 1987).

: : What is the current situation?

In June 2006, a comprehensive, renewed Sustainable Development Strategy for the enlarged EU was adopted.

It attempts to set out a single, coherent strategy on how the EU will effectively live up to its long-standing commitment to meet the challenges of sustainable development on a European and global basis.

Animal welfare is highlighted in the renewed strategy. It calls for:

	the promotion of high animal health and animal welfare standards in the EU and abroad
	support for information campaigns with retailers and other organisations to promote sustainable activities such as organic production
	the use of animal welfare laws to improve the use and management of natural resources in agriculture and fisheries.

: : What is Eurogroup calling for?

Eurogroup is calling for:

	proper monitoring of the implementation of the animal welfare component of the Sustainable Development Strategy
	sustainable production and consumption patterns that bring about benefits for animal welfare by making information readily available to consumers
	funding to be available at national level to promote animal-welfare friendly products
	promotion of high animal welfare standards in the EU and internationally to protect public health
	motivate the institutions to include the procurement of animal welfare friendly products in their green public procurement policy

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

European Union

Commission - sustainable development web page

EU Sustainable Development Strategy (renewed Jun. 06)

Eurogroup documents

Briefing green public procurement (Nov. 07)

Sustainable development and animal welfare: identifying 'win-wins'
Briefing (Mar. 07)

Summary briefing (Apr. 07)

(en) (de) (fr) (it)

(es) (pt) (hu) (pl)

Position paper (Mar. 05)