Press Releases from the EVU

OPEN LETTER to

Mr. Josep Borrell Fontelles
President of the European Parliament
Brussels - Strasbourg


21 July 2004


Dear Mr. President,

The European Vegetarian Union, an umbrella organisation serving the interests of millions of vegetarians in Europe, congratulates you and all newly elected members of the European Parliament on the opportunity to help shape a new and better Europe for some 435 million citizens.

The vegetarian life style has many facets, including concern for the environment and for animal well-being. In that context we appeal to you to make full use of the Parliaments' legislative power to stop further agricultural over-production and to help repair the disastrous consequences of intensive farming, such as nitrate concentrations in surface and ground waters in the EU-15. Hopefully the recent enlargement will not lead to the export of old mistakes to new Member States where, fortunately, agricultural practices and animal farming are currently less intensive.

The first promising steps have already been taken within the framework of the Common Agricultural Policy, but the general acknowledgement that animals are more than just commercial raw material still seems to be lacking. Animals are sentient beings with the right to a life without suffering and to respect. The present situation clearly demonstrates a widespread lack of interest in a more compassionate treatment of farm animals.

As the agricultural budget represents approximately 50 percent of the total household of the EU, vast amounts of money are at stake. So far a significant proportion of these resources has been used to subsidize practices such as mass culling in the interest of the commercial interests-of-the-day; killing newborn calves; breeding bulls for bullfights and transporting animals to slaughter all across Europe and beyond. It seems obvious that for the future there are much more constructive ways to invest these enormous resources.

On behalf of all concerned citizens and in the interest of countless animals suffering abuse, the European Vegetarian Union appeals to European decision makers to assist in paving the way to a more humane future: no more subsidies for cruelty.


Sincerely,

Herma Caelen
Hon. Secretary General
European Vegetarian Union
e-mail
www.european-vegetarian.org