Gaia protests at Berlaymont building for EU fur ban

Animal welfare group Gaia and the Fur Free Alliance have held a demonstration outside the Berlaymont, the headquarters of the European Commission in Brussels, calling for an immediate EU wide ban on the production and sale of fur.

The protest, attended by activists and supporters, urged the European executive to put forward legislation that would end both the manufacture and retail of fur products across the bloc.

Demonstrators held banners and distributed information about fur farming and animal welfare issues.

Gaia said it was pushing for comprehensive legislation that leaves no loopholes. “We are pushing for an EU-wide ban covering both the production and sale of fur,” the organisation said.

The action is part of a broader campaign in partnership with the Fur Free Alliance, a coalition of animal protection groups advocating for legislative change at European level.

The group also cited public opinion data indicating strong support for a ban. According to Gaia, 73% of Belgians support an EU fur ban, showing a growing concern about animal welfare and ethical consumption.

Protest organisers said they delivered a letter to representatives at the Berlaymont urging swift action and legislative proposals from the European Commission. They argue that such a ban would align with the EU goals on sustainability and treatment of animals.