The European Commission asked to 13 Member States to ake action to address deficiencies in the implementation of EU legislation concerning the welfare of animals. In particular, the letter of formal notice sent by the Commission, urges to implement ban on laying hen cages.

The European Commission sent a letter of formal notice requesting for information to Belgium, Bulgaria, Greece, Spain, France, Italy, Cyprus, Latvia, Hungary, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal and Romania in order to take action to address deficiencies in the implementation of EU legislation concerning the welfare of animal. The 13 Member States are called to implement the ban on "un-enriched" cages for laying hens. Commission reminded Member States their obligation to implement ban on hen cages in October 2011.

The Directive 1999/74/EC requires from 1 January 2012, that all laying hens must be kept in "enriched cages" with extra space to nest, scratch and roost, or in alternative systems. According to the Directive, cages can be used only if they provide each hen with at least 750 cm² of cage area, a nest-box, litter, perches and claw-shortening devices, allowing the hens to satisfy their biological and behavioral needs.

The political decision for the ban on "un-enriched" cages was taken in 1999 and it must be applied from 1 January 2012. Member States have had twelve years to ensure a smooth transition to the new system and to implement the Directive. However, so far, the above mentioned Member States have failed to adequately comply with the EU law. Member States who still allow the use of "un-enriched" cages put businesses that invested in complying with the new measures at a disadvantage. The concerned Member States have two months to respond to the letter of formal notice under EU infringement procedures.