Intensive dialogue with the Saarland Minister and Secretary of State for Environment and Consumer protection

This article is unfortunately only available in German.

Brussels / Saarbrücken, February 12, 2021 - Manuela Ripa, MEP of the Ecological Democratic Party (ÖDP), met yesterday for a virtual meeting with Reinhold Jost, Saarland Minister for the Environment and Consumer Protection, and Sebastian Thul, Saarland State Secretary for the Environment and Consumer Protection.

The MEP, the Minister and the State Secretary exchanged views on the topics of agriculture and animal welfare, climate protection, environmental protection and the protection of biodiversity. Manuela Ripa, the only MEP from Saarland, presented her thematic priorities in the EU Parliament, including her role as shadow rapporteur for soil protection, batteries and recycling, as well as for the welfare of farm animals. In this context, Manuela Ripa also addressed her proposal for an EU-wide standardized and mandatory animal welfare label, which would use visual representations to inform consumers quickly and easily about how farm animals are kept: "The effect is very similar to that of cigarette packs: Once consumers see what is actually behind terms such as 'factory farming', they also better recognize the significance of their purchasing behaviour for themselves, animal welfare and our environment," says Manuela Ripa, describing her proposal. "Corresponding proposals for change have already been submitted by the MEP for the EU Commission's Farm to Fork Strategy. She also asked for corresponding support from the Minister."

Quality seal from Manuela Ripa - Factory farming
Proposal for an animal welfare label with visual representations

Manuela Ripa, Minister Jost and State Secretary Thul concluded by agreeing to remain in active contact on these issues in the interests of the Saarland.