No more waffling, Belgian Presidency needs to walk the talk on a plant-based strategy
We recently welcomed the start of the Belgian Presidency to the European Union, an important period in legislative terms which will moreover coincide with the electoral campaign and European election. With the responsibility of leading Europe towards a set of potentially polarising elections, and advancing files such as the Protein Strategy, we raise the question: […]
2023: A Year In Review
As 2023 draws to a close, we take stock of some of the policy initiatives and outcomes that have defined the year, the challenges that we have faced, but also the successes. In this short 2023 recap, we have summarised some of the most important developments while also taking time to reflect on what 2024 […]
EU Agri-Food Days: Plant-based alternatives recognised as central to EU food landscape
The recently concluded EU Agri-Food Days 2023 brought together policymakers and stakeholders to discuss the future of agriculture and food production in the European Union. For the first time, the event showcased a general recognition that a move towards plant-based alternatives and sustainable food production is now undeniable. However, while progress is evident, more concrete […]
Fishy Hearing at the European Parliament
The European Vegetarian Union (EVU) has raised concerns and expressed exasperation following the recent hearing of the European Parliament Committee on Fisheries (PECH) about the use of fish-related terms for plant-based foods. The EVU, while acknowledging the importance of clear and accurate food labelling, emphasised the need to focus on encouraging environmental sustainability and promoting […]
Italy bans veggie “salami” and sparks debate on plant-based labelling once again
The European Vegetarian Union (EVU) is closely monitoring the recent developments in Italy, where the lower house of parliament has passed a law banning the use of cultivated meat products and the marketing of plant-based products using meat-related names such as “steak” and “salami”. This controversial move raises concerns about potential violations of EU law, […]
EVU unveils ”Plant-Based Manifesto” ahead of 2024 EU elections
The European Vegetarian Union (EVU), representing 46 civil society organisations from across Europe, unveiled the “Plant-Based Manifesto” in anticipation of the 2024 European elections. The manifesto underscores the urgency of transforming Europe’s food systems to meet the targets of the European Green Deal and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The ‘’Plant-Based Manifesto’’ was […]
New report shows plant-based school meals can be cheaper and better for the planet
A new report published today by the European Vegetarian Union (EVU) analyses some of the best public procurement practices across public canteens in Europe – demonstrating that plant-based meals are more affordable and have significantly lower environmental impacts. The report showcases exemplary sustainable public procurement initiatives on a local, regional and national level, from nurseries […]
While the ECJ’s verdict is still pending, France resolutely enforces labelling ban for plant-based food
The European Vegetarian Union (EVU) is closely monitoring the latest developments in France regarding the decree banning the use of meat-related terms to describe plant-based products. The French government’s decision to publish this new decree while the European Court of Justice (ECJ) has not yet provided its ruling on the matter raises serious questions about […]
SOTEU 2023: A dish served lukewarm and missing key ingredients
In response to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s State of the European Union (SOTEU) speech, the European Vegetarian Union (EVU) has reacted with significant concern. While we welcome the mention of a ”Strategic Dialogue on the Future of Agriculture in the EU”, we were left troubled by the lackluster support for the European […]
NGOs call on Von der Leyen to uphold green farming ambition in State of the Union speech
The European Vegetarian Union (EVU), representing 46 organisations across Europe dedicated to environmental sustainability, human health, and animal welfare, has sent a letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen ahead of her forthcoming and annual State of the Union speech (SOTEU) on 13 September. The letter calls for urgent action to address climate […]
