MEPs reject the EU’s pesticide approvals system

MEPs have voted by a large majority (39 in favour, with 9 against, and 10 abstentions) for a ban on glyphosate in three years' time, approving a non-binding resolution. The European Commission warned the vote was an attack on the EU regulatory system and the EU agencies.

The MEPs also want immediate restrictions on the use of glyphosate by the public and in playgrounds and parks.

The resolution was adopted at a meeting of Environment and Public Health Committee (ENVI) today and will now be voted on next week in the plenary.

The resolution is critical of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). According to a report in EU Food Policy,[1] one MEP at the meeting “went further by accusing them of conniving with companies”.

Speaking before the vote, European Commission official Sabine Juelicher said that MEPs would be attacking the EU regulatory system itself and the agencies the EU relied on. The MEPs’ resolution included a call for pesticide approvals to be based on peer-reviewed studies by independent scientists instead of the current system, which is based on secret industry studies.

The resolution was agreed ahead of a possible vote on the reauthorisation of glyphosate in the Standing Committee on 25 October.

MEPs hope they will influence member states to oppose the ten-year renewal being proposed by the European Commission but have no power to veto the renewal.

Notes

1. EU Food Policy (2017). MEPs vote for glyphosate ban in three years in rejection of EU safety system. 19 Oct. Subscription only.