Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions. Consultative Communication on the sustainable use of phosphorus

Phosphorus is an essential building block of life. It is an irreplaceable part of modern agriculture, as there is no substitute for its use in animal feed and fertiliser. The current situation, involving waste and losses at every step of the phosphorus life cycle, contributes to concerns about future supplies and water and soil pollution, both in the EU and worldwide.

With efficient production and use, as well as recycling and minimisation of waste, major strides could be made towards the sustainable use of phosphorus, thereby setting the world on a path towards resource efficiency and ensuring that reserves are still available for the generations to come.

The purpose of this Consultative Communication is to draw attention to the sustainability of phosphorus use and to initiate a debate on the state of play and the actions that should be considered. It is not designed with specific legislation on phosphorus in mind. This action was announced in the Roadmap to a Resource Efficient Europe and should be seen as part of the overall drive to improve resource efficiency in the EU and worldwide.

EUR-Lex: COM(2013)517: Follow the progress of this communication through the decision-making procedure http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/HIS/?uri=COM:2013:517:FIN

ESO: Background information: Environment: How can we use phosphorus more efficiently and create opportunities for recycling? http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-environment-how-can-we-use-phosphorus-more-efficiently-and-create-opportunities-for-recycling/

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