The European Vegetarian Union (EVU) is a non-profit, non-governmental umbrella organisation for vegan and vegetarian societies and groups in Europe. The union works in the areas of vegetarianism, nutrition, health, consumer protection, climate and environment, and food labelling.

History

Purpose

The main activities of the EVU are:

Labelling

V-Label

EVU has acted as the background organisation for the V-Label in the past. Some of EVU's member organisations certify products with the label. The label was launched in 1995 and redesigned in 2023 to better differentiate between the vegan and the vegetarian label.

Other labels in the European Union

The European Vegetarian Union has tried to legally define the use of the labels "vegetarian" and "vegan" on food items. They have argued that the vegan label on a product should have a clear and standard meaning. They have put forth two main requirements: Despite the organisation's efforts, the European Commission initially refused to enact any changes. The EVU has continued to lobby state governments, especially in Germany because the country experienced more widespread support for the labelling legislation. As a result, "consumer protection ministers of German Länder unanimously agreed on a proposal for a wording of the definition of the terms "vegan" and "vegetarian" for food labelling and put it into effect for the food control authorities within their jurisdictions, making it de facto binding."

Animal protection movements