In the context of preparing its roadmap to phase out animal testing for chemical safety assessment - a key priority for both ethical science and modern regulatory policy - the European Commission organised a series of three workshops to gain input from stakeholders. The second workshop, held in Brussels on 11-12 December 2023, brought together more than 500 participants from regulatory bodies, industry, academia, NGOs and EU agencies to exchange views and expert inputs on how non-animal approaches can be integrated into EU chemicals legislation. Discussions focused on identifying practical actions, milestones and challenges, as the Commission worked toward a policy document that will outline clear steps for replacing animal-based methods in safety evaluations.

One of the topics, central to the work of PARC, was the emerging role of Next-Generation Risk Assessment (NGRA) – risk assessment frameworks that rely on novel non-animal methodologies, including in vitro, in silico and integrated approaches – which could ultimately enhance scientific understanding while reducing reliance on traditional animal tests. Participants also provided valuable recommendations on guiding principles, potential barriers to implementation, and priorities for research and regulatory acceptance of non-animal methods. This inclusive dialogue marks a promising advance toward a science-driven transition – one that aligns with evolving societal expectations and EU policy ambitions.

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