Kristian Vigenin: Not sanctions, but a full ban on the production and import of luxury furs in the EU

“Why, in the 21st century, do we still allow animals to be bred and killed solely for the production of luxury clothing?” asked Kristian Vigenin, Head of the Delegation of Bulgarian Socialists in the European Parliament, during a plenary debate in Strasbourg on the exemption from sanctions for imports of Russian sable furs.

An EU-wide ban on fur farms

Vigenin criticised the decision of the Council of the EU, which in July 2026 unanimously adopted an exemption from sanctions allowing imports of certain processed Russian sable furs. The justification is that some European producers depend on these supplies and lack sufficient alternatives. According to the MEP, breeding and killing animals for luxury fur products is a practice that must be gradually phased out. He called for an EU-wide ban on fur farms and on the sale of products made from such furs, including those imported from third countries. “Cruelty to animals does not become any less cruel when it happens in the European Union,” Vigenin stressed. In his view, Europe cannot condemn the conditions on Russian fur farms while allowing similar practices in its own member states.

The MEP recalled that more than 1.5 million European citizens have supported the “Fur Free Europe” initiative, which calls for an end to fur farming and a ban on the sale of such products on the European market.

A sanctions exemption for the luxury industry

On sanctions, the MEP criticised the decision to make an exemption for the luxury fur industry while European citizens and businesses continue to bear the economic consequences of the restrictions against Russia. “Are luxury coats more important than affordable energy, the competitiveness of European industry and the goods and services our citizens need every day?” Vigenin asked.

Vigenin also criticised the European Commission, calling on it to explain why exactly this exemption was considered necessary, whose interests it serves and how it fits with the EU’s overall policy objectives. He noted that the Commission has already provided some of these explanations, but stressed that he also expects concrete follow-up action.

In conclusion, the MEP welcomed the position of the European Parliament, which on 22 October called for the ban on imports of Russian sable furs to be restored. He expressed hope that the European Commission and the Council of the EU will take the necessary action.