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Summary

On 6 March 2018, Cruelty Free International celebrated the fifth anniversary of the full EU cosmetics testing and marketing bans.

Update! Together with Cruelty Free International, a host of celebrities, including Ricky Gervais, Pixie Geldof and Leona Lewis, alongside nearly 100 policymakers, retailers and animal experts, including Dr Jane Goodall DBE, Founder of the Jane Goodall Institute and UN Messenger of Peace, have signed a letter addressed to Heads of European governments and Heads of Member State governments. Read it here.

This wasn't be your usual Brussels reception.  Far from it in fact.  While we do the serious work of ending animal testing around the world, we also believe in celebrating successes. 

So to help mark the 5th anniversary of the full EU cosmetics testing and marketing bans ("banniversary" anyone?!), we gathered our celebrity supporters and Leaping Bunny certified companies, the international press, along with many of the policy makers who were involved in shaping the original ban, for an evening of celebration, great vegan food and even greater company.  This was a unique opportunity to celebrate the EU's landmark leadership that has changed the world forever, and to look forward to the positive action we can take together to deliver a worldwide ban on animal testing for cosmetics.

Update: Michelle Thew, Chief Executive of Cruelty Free International, talks to Paul Adamson of E!Sharp. Listen here. 

Speakers include

Pixie Geldof

British singer and model

Sirpa Pietikäinen

MEP and President

Animal Welfare Intergroup

Michelle Thew

Chief Executive

Cruelty Free International

Jessie Macneil-Brown

Head of Global Campaigns

The Body Shop International

Birgitta Ohlsson

Swedish Parliament

Lisa Cameron

MP

East Kilbride, Strathaven and Lesmahagow

Think this is a niche topic?

Well think again! By banning cosmetics testing on animals in 2013, Europe offered real leadership.  And it's not only about protecting rabbits and rats from unnecessary suffering.  Europe has a global obligation to reinforce humanity and empathy.  When there are clear opportunities to innovate and to raise the bar, there is no excuse for inaction.  Think about this event as an opportunity to discuss not only animal protection, but also exceptional European innovation, international trade and the sustainability agenda.