In conversation with Stephanie Ghislain from Eurogroup for Animals, this interview unpacks the challenges of including animal welfare standards within EU’s trade policy. Despite the Union’s efforts in promoting higher animal welfare standards, there is a major gap between ambition and reality: while animal welfare provisions are increasingly included in trade deals, they are often weak, inconsistently applied, or poorly enforced. One key reason is that animal welfare is shaped by both scientific research and ethical principles, and without a firm ethical commitment, progress is often limited. The conversation also reflects on the structural imbalances within trade policy-making: limited transparency, marginal involvement of civil society, and the persistent dominance of commercial interests. These challenges are visible in several EU trade agreements: with Canada, Japan, Australia, etc. where animal welfare discussions have remained largely symbolic. At the same time, the rise of nationalist narratives and populist movements within the EU has made progress on environmental and animal welfare issues more politically contentious. Yet, several political tools, like the European Citizens’ Initiatives, offer a positive counterweight—a space where a more democratic and transparent engagement can still shape European policies.