A historic step was recently announced. Poland, the largest fur producer in Europe and the second largest in the world, is officially moving to ban the farming of animals for fur. With this decision, it becomes the twenty-third out of twenty-seven European Union countries to put an end to a practice that society has rejected for decades.
The legislation includes an immediate ban on new farms and an eight-year transition period for existing ones, with financial incentives for early closure. It also provides financial support and professional transition measures for workers.
Despite Poland’s dominance in the industry, the trend in recent years has been unmistakable. The number of animals farmed has fallen by seventy percent since 2015. Fur exports have collapsed. Public opinion overwhelmingly supported the ban, with more than sixty-eight percent in favor. This decision reflects broad social and political consensus.
Pressure now shifts to the European Union, which is expected to decide in early 2026 on the overall status of fur in Europe. With twenty-three countries having already adopted bans, the need for unified legislation is more urgent than ever. The related European Citizens’ Initiative gathered more than one and a half million validated signatures, while the 2025 EFSA scientific opinion concluded that welfare problems cannot be resolved under current farming conditions.
What should concern us here in Greece is that we are now, along with Finland, the two largest fur-producing countries in the European Union. Poland, which held the top position, has now made a historic choice. The pressure on our country is increasing. Developments across Europe clearly show the direction in which society, the market and politics are moving.
From our side, we have a responsibility to reinforce this positive momentum. Today’s announcement strengthens the case for Greece to finally adopt a fair, modern and ethical decision.
The era of fur is coming to an end. Now is the moment to join forces so that the same can happen in Greece.
The legislation includes an immediate ban on new farms and an eight-year transition period for existing ones, with financial incentives for early closure. It also provides financial support and professional transition measures for workers.
Despite Poland’s dominance in the industry, the trend in recent years has been unmistakable. The number of animals farmed has fallen by seventy percent since 2015. Fur exports have collapsed. Public opinion overwhelmingly supported the ban, with more than sixty-eight percent in favor. This decision reflects broad social and political consensus.
Pressure now shifts to the European Union, which is expected to decide in early 2026 on the overall status of fur in Europe. With twenty-three countries having already adopted bans, the need for unified legislation is more urgent than ever. The related European Citizens’ Initiative gathered more than one and a half million validated signatures, while the 2025 EFSA scientific opinion concluded that welfare problems cannot be resolved under current farming conditions.
What should concern us here in Greece is that we are now, along with Finland, the two largest fur-producing countries in the European Union. Poland, which held the top position, has now made a historic choice. The pressure on our country is increasing. Developments across Europe clearly show the direction in which society, the market and politics are moving.
From our side, we have a responsibility to reinforce this positive momentum. Today’s announcement strengthens the case for Greece to finally adopt a fair, modern and ethical decision.
The era of fur is coming to an end. Now is the moment to join forces so that the same can happen in Greece.