Next week the glyphosate debate will take place in the European Commission, but what is the position of the Member States and assessing parties? A brief overview.
The gap between the different Member States when it comes to the re-authorisation of glyphosate is large. The European Commission is currently examining how it can bridge the differences. Possibly by incorporating a clause on biodiversity. The Commission indicated last week that it would consider such a clause if requested by Member States. The Netherlands also refers to this.
The Board for the Authorization of Plant Protection Products and Biocides (Ctgb) considers an approval period of both 10 and 15 years acceptable, but does believe that measures must be taken to protect surface water. Outgoing Minister of Economic Affairs, Henk Kamp, supports the proposal.
Which Member States are against an extension?
Monday, September 25, it was announced that France is open to a phase-out of glyphosate for a period of 5 years. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) have already given a positive assessment and are proposing to the European Commission to authorize the product for another 10 years.
European farmers, united in Copa-Cogeca, are calling for an agreement for 15 years. The European Commission is also proposing an authorization of 10 years, but the French government thinks this is too long, given the concerns about the drug. France will therefore vote against the proposal.
Role of German election results
Italy has not yet made an official decision. There is a good chance that the country will abstain or vote against. With the Germans, things are complicated, because of the election results and the formation of a new government, which is not expected before the end of the year. In this situation, Germany is forced to abstain, as the Christian Democrats and Social Democrats are miles apart on glyphosate.
On a 'no' course
Furthermore, Sweden would also be on the 'no' course, while Luxembourg has a similar problem as Germany with serious divisions between the Ministries of Agriculture and the Environment. Greece abstained from a verdict in last year's vote. Close ties to Macron's government mean that the Greeks would not want to lead the glyphosate debate.
A discussion round with Member States is planned for 5 and 6 October.
Twitter
On Thursday morning, September 28, there are reports on Twitter that Monsanto lobbyists have been denied access to the European Parliament.
#Glyphosate: Monsanto lobbyists barred from EU Parliament "until further notice"! (company refused to attend EP #MonsantoPapers hearing) https://t.co/yQ4OhX689D
— CEO (@corporateeurope) September 28, 2017
NEWS:Les lobbyists de #Monsanto officiellement interdits d'entrée o Parliament EU suite à leur refus de comparaître à l'audition #Glyphosate pic.twitter.com/fUjVwzkmb7
— Emmanuel Foulon (@efoulon1) September 28, 2017
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