European parties for animals lay the foundations for collaboration in European elections of 2019
The Hague, 5 December 2017 – Last Thursday and Friday, parties for animals from seven different countries who will be participating in the European elections of 2019, met in The Hague. Representatives of the Finish, Spanish, Swedish, French, Portuguese, German and Dutch parties shared knowledge, expertise and ideas to collaborate. There is a real possibility that these parties will gain multiple seats in the European Parliament.
For the first time in history, MEPS defending the interests of animals, nature and the environment gained two seats in the European Parliament in the last European elections: the Tierschutzpartei (Germany) and the Party for the Animals (PftA, the Netherlands). This is particularly important as in Europe, decisions are made on matters that have a significant impact on animals and their environment. These matters include subsidies for livestock and fisheries farming, free trade agreements such as TTIP, and legislation on animal testing and traditions causing animal suffering. Almost 50 percent of the EU budget is spent on agriculture.
Meanwhile, the number and size of parties for animals in Europe have increased. The Tierschutzpartei, PACMA (Spain), PAN (Portugal), Animal Party Cyprus (Cyprus), Parti Animaliste (France), Djurens Parti (Sweden), EOP (Finland) and Partito Animalista Italiano (Italy): all have gained electoral successes in national, regional and local elections.
In the run-up to the European elections, the previously established collaboration TheEuroAnimal7 is extended to include sister parties from several EU member states defending the interests of animals, nature and the environment.
Senator Christine Teunissen (PftA): ‘It is inspiring to be part of a growing international movement and collaborate with colleagues of our sister parties.’