| Author (Person) | Rocha, Frederico |
|---|---|
| Series Details | November 2017 |
| Publication Date | 27/11/2017 |
| Content Type | News |
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Further information: The situation was unblocked following the endorsement of 18 Member States against 9 and one abstention. It later became known that Germany - who had previously abstained - voted in favour of the re-approval, ensuring the necessary qualified majority. Organisations representing EU farmers showed their disappointment over the decision for not providing a longer authorisation period. Environmental association condemned the decision to endorse the extension given the lack of clarity over glyphosate's real impact. Germany's vote change was criticised by Chancellor Angela Merkel, amid reports that her government's Agriculture Minister had decided unilaterally on the matter against the official line defended by the cabinet. This was seen as potentially disrupting negotiations for a new government in the country. Background information: The European Commission proposed to the Member States in early 2016 to renew the approval of glyphosate but there was insufficient support either in favour or against the proposal. In June 2016, a provisional extension of the authorisation was adopted to allow the European Chemicals Agency to conduct its assessment of the risks associated to the use of the substance. The ECHA announced its position in March 2017 and sent it to the Commission in June 2017, setting the deadline for authorisation renewal on 15 December 2017. In May 2017, discussions between the Commission and the Member States restarted. Several rounds of discussions on revised versions of the proposal were undertaken until the endorsement was possible during a meeting of the Appeal Committee. The Appeal Committee functions like the other Comitology Committees - made up of Member States' representatives and chaired by the European Commission. It is not a permament body but rather a procedural tool which gives Member States the opportunity to have a second discussion at a higher level of representation. + Commission registers 'Ban Glyphosate' European Citizens' Initiative An Appeal Committee endorsed on 27 November 2017 with a qualified majority a proposal from the European Commission to renew the authorisation on the use of glyphosate for five more years. |
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| Subject Categories | Business and Industry |
| Countries / Regions | Europe |
