The European Neighbourhood Policy includes an Action Plan on the Protection and Welfare of Animals.  ENP objectives for animal welfare include the following:

• giving a clearer direction to animal welfare policies,
• promoting high animal welfare standards,
• continuing to seek alternative solutions to animal testing, and
• ensuring a more consistent and coordinated approach to animal welfare across all EU policy areas.

For the 2006-10 period, these have been identified as specific areas for action:

• upgrading minimum standards for animal protection and welfare,
• introducing standardised animal welfare indicators, and
• ensuring animal handlers and the general public are more involved and informed on animal welfare issues (Brussels, 23 January 2006).