Fur shall not pass in European Parliament

The flash-mob performed by the young employees of the European Parliament during the presentation of the fur industry's products from 21-23 January by the pro-fur farming trade group European Fur Information Centre sent a clear message that the younger generation condemns cruel fashion.

It remains unclear why the MEPs responsible for the distribution of the exhibition spaces of the institutions’ building agreed to grant a place for an event that has appalled many. According to tradition, and even some of the regulations, the spaces outside the hearing rooms are used for non-political activities, mainly cultural events of a non-provocative nature. There are presentations of industrial and agricultural products, which normally encourage a general attitude of openness and curiosity from MEPs.

But the fur coats promotion went wrong, right from the start.

MEP Ivo Vajgl (ALDE, Slovenia) questioned his olleagues by email if such a reputable political institution as the EP should allow its premises to expose "the remains of dead animals".

The message also appeared on the MEP's Facebook page, where it received 61 'Likes' and 20 comments condemning animal suffering and killing for vanity.

Through the two days of event, the animosity was growing.

The industry’s message of a ‘happy life’ for little furry creatures сaged from birth to death clearly was not well received. The culmination came during the hour of the general welcome preceding the reception: a group of young employees dressed in designed T-shirts with animal protection slogans and photos in their hands organized a silent but expressive line in the front of the speaker, who did his best to promote the fur coats.

The speaker was referring to the reputable fashion houses, who design furs for the "women of the 21st century". But around him were no living women wearing the fur garments, rather a few dummies in over-sized coats, resembling the Medieval figures of the Black Death.

The exhibitors were unhappy and nervous, trying to disrupt the work of the photographers with camera flashes, but in vain. The flash-mob stayed as a statement from the young Europeans, who are determined to end the needless suffering of little furry creatures who need their coats for themselves.

Anna van Densky

Share this article: