The vote took place on June 20, 2025, and added the species to the EU’s list of invasive species. The regulation enters into force in 2027, after which the 27 member states of the EU will have to phase out mink and terminate their related operations by 2029.

While this is a victory for wildlife, animals, public health, and the environment, the Danish government voted against the measure and stated they will seek an exemption.

Denmark was the world’s leading producer of mink fur, with over 700 fur farms producing 25-30 million pelts per season until 2019. However, when a COVID-19 mutation was found in mink in November 2020, the Danish government killed 17 million mink and implemented a temporary ban. Many Danish fur farmers indicated to media that they were not interested in restarting their operations, and few have done so since then ban was lifted in 2023.