The figures on the animal experiments are to be submitted to the EU by the Member States themselves. The data show that almost 10 million animals were used annually EU-wide in basic and applied research, in legally required animal experiments and in education, with more than one million experiments (about 11%) involving animals suffering described as "severe". In basic research, 45% of animals were used, followed by translational/applied research with 23% and legally required tests with 23%.

The ten million procedures do not include all animals involved in the research process. Reports highlight that a further 12.6 million animals are bred - and eventually killed - for this purpose without being subjected to an experiment. This means that 22 million animals suffer from scientific research every year in the EU. This includes animals killed for the removal of organs and tissues.

The today's reports made clear how far the EU still is from making progress towards an animal-free science, said Reineke Hameleers, CEO of Eurogroup for Animals, in a press release on the publication of figures.

Further information and EU reports:
https://www.eurogroupforanimals.org/ec-reports-show-more-work-is-needed-to-reduce-the-use-and-suffering-of-animals-in-science
https://ec.europa.eu/environment/chemicals/lab_animals/reports_en.htm