January 26 (SeeNews) - The European Commission said on Thursday it called on Bulgaria, Romania and 11 other member states to implement a ban on what it calls "un-enriched" cages for laying hens.
"As of January 1, EU requires that all laying hens must be kept in "enriched cages" which provide each hen with an area of at least 750 cm², a nest-box, litter, perches and claw-shortening devices," the Commission said in a statement published on its website.
You can download the 2023 Agriculture industry in Southeast Europe report here
According to the Commission, states which do not ban "un-enriched" cages not only create consequences on animal welfare but can also cause market distortions and unfair competition as they put businesses that invested in complying with the new measures at a disadvantage.
Bulgaria and Romania, alongside the other 11 countries, have two months to respond to the letter of formal notice.