The aim was to discuss and develop a strategy for reducing animal testing in substance safety assessment. This also includes pesticides, biocides and, to a certain extent, pharmaceuticals. A framework for the use of non-animal methods (NAMs resp. New Approach Methodologies or New Animal-free Methods) must be developed.This will ultimately require the revision of numerous European regulatory provisions.

The initial task was to identify short, medium and long-term goals for possible inclusion in the Commission's roadmap for the gradual abolition of animal testing for the safety assessment of chemicals. It was recommended to identify the remaining gaps of missing process modules and research challenges that are necessary to ensure a human-relevant and reliable chemical safety assessment. To remedy this, an EU strategy for test methods and validation is required. One of the topics was also the establishment and implementation of a cross-sectoral dialog.

The EU roadmap is due to be published in the first quarter of 2026.