MEPs in mood for REACH compromise

MEPs have conceded that they are ready to give ground on some of the amendments being put forward as part of the review of the EU’s chemical substances policy.

Amendments to the proposed legislation on chemicals, known as REACH, are scheduled to be voted on by Parliament’s environment committee on 10 October.

Parliament’s compromise follows a meeting with the European Commission and the Council of Ministers on Tuesday (26 September), where it was agreed that efforts would be made to scrap some of the 354 amendments.

"Of course, we are not very pleased that they tabled so many amendments," said Anna-Lisa Sundquist, chairwoman of the Council working party dealing with REACH. "We expressed this concern at the meeting and made the plea that they decide which are the most important ones for the second reading."

All political groupings have expressed willingness to compromise, said Italian Socialist MEP Guido Sacconi, who is drafting Parliament’s report. "Everyone agrees that the real priority is reduction of the most dangerous substances."

The proposals have sparked fierce battles between industry, unions and environmentalists and animal rights campaigners. Sacconi said that the real negotiations would only begin after the committee vote.

The second reading vote in plenary could take place in November.

MEPs have conceded that they are ready to give ground on some of the amendments being put forward as part of the review of the EU’s chemical substances policy.