1. Skip to content
  2. Skip to main menu
  3. Skip to more DW sites
Live TV
Latest audioLatest videos
In focus
India electionsIranIsrael-Hamas war

EU says no to funding for bullfighting

October 28, 2015

Lawmakers have declared their opposition to subsidies that go to farmers who raise bulls for fighting. Their position reflects growing international criticism of the traditional Spanish sport.

https://p.dw.com/p/1GwIF
Spanish bullfight
Image: picture-alliance/dpa/J. Etxezarreta

Lawmakers in the European Parliament voted on Wednesday to approve an ammendment to the 2016 EU budget saying subsidies should not go to farms that raise bulls for use in Spanish bullfighting.

The ammendment, which passed with a 438-199 vote, will not take effect until after negotiations between the bloc's 28 members.

Humane Society International's European branch praised the lawmakers' decision.

"We applaud the fact that MEPs have sent a clear signal to the European Commission and EU Member States that it is unacceptable for EU funds to be used to finance any part of an industry that involves the torture of sentient animals for public entertainment," the organization said on its website.

Despite increasing international scrutiny, bullfighting remains an important cultural tradition in Spain. However, the pastime has seen its popularity dwindle domestically as well. Catalonia recently enacted a ban on bullfighting, suggesting that the activity was on its way out.

blc/bw (AP, AFP)

Skip next section Explore more

Explore more

Spain's bullfighter Jose Tomas delivers the final blow to a bull at the Monumental bullring in Barcelona, Spain, Sunday, Sept. 25, 2011. Spain's powerful northeastern region of Catalonia bids farewell Sunday to the country's emblematic tradition of bullfighting with a final bash at the Barcelona bullring. (Photo: ddp images/AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)

Is it 'adios' for Spanish bullfights?

Is it 'adios' for Spanish bullfights?

In Spain, the summer bullfighting season has begun. Once a time of celebration, the current recession and animal rights campaigners are casting doubt on the future of one of the country's most emblematic pastimes. (16.07.2013)
July 16, 2013
DW's logo for all opinion articles.

Opinion: Catalan ban on bullfighting was the logical conclusion

Opinion: Catalan ban on bullfighting was the logical conclusion

The autonomous government for the Catalan region of Spain has banned bullfighting. Deutsche Welle's editor-in-chief, Marc Koch, thinks it's the right decision, but believes it's motivated by politics, not morality. (28.07.2010)
July 28, 2010
Bullfighter and bull in ring

Catalan parliament votes in favor of bullfighting ban

Catalan parliament votes in favor of bullfighting ban

Catalonia has voted to ban the centuries-old practice of bullfighting. Supporters of the ban say it is a victory for animal rights, but some opponents say the ban has more to do with politics than animal cruelty. (28.07.2010)
July 28, 2010