Stakeholder meeting on the protection of Equidae: horses, donkeys and their hybrids

Background

In the framework of its Farm to Fork Strategy, the European Commission is working on a review of the EU animal welfare legislation, with the objective to update it in line with the latest scientific evidence, and ultimately increase the level of animal welfare. In this context, the European Commission asked EFSA to deliver by 2026 two scientific opinions on the protection of horses and donkeys and their hybrids, and a technical report on the keeping of Equidae (mandate M-2024-00006). The mandate covers in particular:

• breeding Equidae: Equidae kept mainly for breeding
• working Equidae: Equidae kept mainly for competitive, non-competitive, commercial, leisure or subsistence activity
• production Equidae: Equidae mainly kept for the production of meat, milk, or other substances and products of animal origin
• horses, ponies, draught horses, donkeys, mules and hinnies

EFSA’s task is to review the available scientific publications and possibly other sources to provide a sound scientific basis for future legislative proposals as well as operational guidance. 

In line with EFSA’s commitment to openness and transparency, and in response to the growing public attention around animal welfare, EFSA is planning to engage with the interested parties throughout the risk analysis process concerning the welfare of Equidae. EFSA will proactively keep the stakeholders who have registered for this meeting informed of any future engagement opportunities regarding the mandate.

Scope and objectives

The aim of this technical meeting is to set the scene for an open and regular dialogue between EFSA and stakeholders from the early stages of the risk assessment. Stakeholders will have the opportunity to learn about EFSA’s work on animal welfare and to engage in a technical discussion on the challenges and opportunities around this mandate, focussing on the available data and data sources that will inform EFSA's scientific advice. 

To ensure a fruitful discussion on all the aspects and species covered by the mandate, EFSA will tailor the programme to include perspectives from stakeholder organisations that have expressed their interest in participating in the meeting (see draft agenda). Stakeholders wishing to contribute with a presentation during the allocated time slots are encouraged to indicate their interest via the registration form. 

EFSA reserves the right to screen and prioritise the requests to deliver a presentation to ensure a balanced representation of the different views in the programme.

Who should attend?

The event is open to any stakeholder with expertise and an interest in the topic. To ensure effective dialogue and foster interaction, participation is limited to a maximum of 60 participants. If the number of registrations exceeds the maximum attendance, EFSA will give priority to registrations ensuring a balanced representation of the various fields of expertise, stakeholder groups and countries.

Online registration

Please click on the above tab to register for the event and express your interest to deliver a presentation during the meeting (deadline: 20 May 2024 at noon, 12:00 CEST).

Logistical information

The technical meeting will take place in Brussels, Belgium, for in-person attendance only. It will not be possible to follow the event online.

Confirmed participants will receive further details on the venue after the closing date of registration. 

The meeting will be in English. No translation will be provided. Participation is free of charge. Unless specifically invited by EFSA, participants are required to cover their travel and accommodation costs.

Contact

For more information, please contact us at events [at] efsa.europa.eu (events[at]efsa[dot]europa[dot]eu).