License for 3 or 5 years
Germany and France determine fate of glyphosate
If it is up to France and Germany, farmers will have another 3 to 5 years to get used to a method that does not use glyphosate. The French Minister of Ecology made a clear statement in the press. Germany shares that view. The 2 countries can make or break a license.
The situation for the relicensing of glyphosate looks bleak. Emotions run high in the debate. Environmental organizations prefer to see the herbicide disappear immediately. Agricultural entrepreneurs and advocates preach the story that, with the help of glyphosate, considerably less tillage has to be carried out. This has numerous benefits for people and the environment. European politics has the last say. Their opinion is becoming clearer.
Environment Committee is clear
On Thursday 19 October voted the European Parliament (EP) Committee on the Environment is already against an extension of 5 or 10 years. They argue for an extension until 2021; 39 votes were in favour, 9 against and 10 abstained. The European Commission (EC) will vote on an admission on Wednesday 25 October. In contrast to the environmental committee, they do have binding force.
3, 5 or 7 years
More than 12 Member States are in favor of a renewal of the glyphosate license in the EU. However, Germany and France represent the largest group of Europeans. As a result, their opinions outweigh those of the Netherlands or Denmark. In an interview on the French radio station RTL Nicolas Hulot, Minister of Ecology, stated that an extension for 3 to 5 years is feasible. He uses 5 as the maximum. According to him, 3 years is also sufficient. In the meantime, the sector can explore alternatives. French agriculture minister Stéphane Travert is in favor of an extension for 5 to 7 years.
2-3
year
German politics
According to the German newspaper Tagesspiegel, the German opinion is in line with that of France. Agriculture Minister Christian Schmidt is in favor of an extension of 2 to 3 years. The German position is currently being discussed within the German Ministries for Economy and Environment. In addition, our eastern neighbors have to deal with the 'greens' in their new parliament. They are candidates for the ministerial post that deals with the environment. When they come to power, a completely different wind will blow in national German politics.
Battle not fought
Next Wednesday, October 25, a clear yes or no should be heard. If this does not happen, the license will be extended by 10 years by the European Commission. 16 Member States are not expected to give a clear judgment. Accounting for 65% of the European population and 12 have already spoken out.
A hard yes or no from France and Germany can give a different outcome. If there is not an overwhelming majority, the Commission takes its own decision. EU Commissioner Vytenis Andriukaitis is clear about that. Security for 10 years is therefore still a possibility.
Niels van der Boom
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