Olivér Várhelyi’s decision may determine whether the EU puts an end to the suffering of animals kept on fur farms
While more than 1.5 million EU citizens are calling for a ban on fur farming, animals continue to suffer in cages on fur farms. The Fur Free Europe campaign, launched in 2022, was jointly led by the Brussels-based animal protection organisation Eurogroup for Animals and the Fur Free Alliance; in Hungary, the Una Terra Foundation
Questions over Russian fur auction money and fur industry lobbying in Brussels
BRUSSELS, 16 JUNE 2026 – A new POLITICO Europe report has raised serious questions about the fur industry’s lobbying in Brussels, after internal documents reportedly showed that Russian fur auction money was held in the same financial structure used to fund the industry’s EU political work. The report comes at a critical moment for the
New footage reveals animal suffering on mink fur farm in Spain
A CORUÑA, 26 MAY 2026 – A newly released undercover investigation has exposed shocking conditions inside a mink fur farm in Galicia, Spain, where animals were found living among corpses, excrement, and severe untreated injuries. Spanish Fur Free Alliance member organisation ARDE released the findings this week after filing a criminal complaint with the Prosecutor’s
Sweden to ban fur farming
STOCKHOLM, 7 MAY – A Swedish government inquiry on fur farming, published last week, outlines a clear pathway for the introduction of a national ban. Swedish Fur Free Alliance member Project 1882 has welcomed the findings and is calling on the government to proceed with legislation without delay. The inquiry follows the introduction of a
Calls for Icelandic fur farm ban as first ever exposé reveals shocking suffering
18 March 2026 – The Icelandic government is under pressure to ban fur farming after the first ever fur farm undercover investigation in the country reveals shocking levels of animal suffering including animals with large wounds or infections, dead animals left in cages, mink covered in blood and confined in small, filthy wire cages. Investigators
Commissioner Várhelyi fails to attend Fur Free Europe meeting after Ombudsman inquiry opened
On 6 March 2026, representatives of the Fur Free Europe campaign met the European Commission to raise serious concerns about its handling of the Fur Free Europe European Citizens’ Initiative, which is backed by more than 1.5 million EU citizens. The meeting was attended by Fur Free Alliance members Eva Lauwens of FOUR PAWS and