Today we’re celebrating 5 years since the European Union banned the sale of new cosmetics tested on animals in Europe. To mark the occasion, we’re urging the EU to build on their trailblazing policy by taking a leading role in ending the suffering of animals in laboratories around the world.

Together with us, 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. The letter calls for Europe to play an active role and exert its influence to eliminate cosmetic testing on animals globally. In the coming weeks, there will be a European Parliament vote to decide whether the EU should act to help end cosmetics testing on animals worldwide.

Despite the availability of approved non-animal testing methods and existing ingredients safe for human use, there are still no laws banning animal tests for cosmetics products and ingredients in 80% of the world. We estimate that over half a million animals, from rabbits to mice, rats, guinea pigs and hamsters, are still used annually in worldwide cosmetics testing, resulting in needless suffering and cruelty.

In Brussels this evening we’re hosting a special Banniversary event, gathering with celebrity supporters, Leaping Bunny certified companies, international press, and policy makers. Together we’ll be celebrating the EU’s landmark leadership and looking forward to the positive action we can take to deliver a worldwide ban on animal testing for cosmetics.

Pledge your support by signing the #ForeverAgainstAnimalTesting petition.