Given the importance of animal research in science and scientific developments, a coalition of leading research funders, research organisations, learned societies and patient groups – including the European Animal Research Association – has issued a joint statement supporting European Directive 2010/63/EU. The statement calls on the European Parliament and European Commission to oppose the ‘Stop Vivisection’ Citizens’ initiative that is seeking to abrogate the Directive.
Animal Research has a small but fundamental role in basic and applied biomedical research. European Directive 2010/63 constitutes a very progressive and stringent framework for ensuring high animal welfare standards while encouraging the development of non-animal alternatives. In order to ensure that Europe maintains its leading role in biomedical research, the European Animal Research Association calls the European Parliament and the Commission to reaffirm their support to the Directive that regulates the protection of animals used for scientific purposes.