MEPs torn over danger chemicals

The European Parliament is preparing for a showdown on the second reading of the proposed chemicals legislation, REACH.

Italian Socialist MEP Guido Sacconi, responsible for guiding the dossier through Parliament, has published his report for discussion in Parliament.

But he has, for now, left out the controversial issue of whether or not to make compulsory the substitution of dangerous chemicals.

Sacconi hopes to negotiate a compromise on substitution with all political groups before the text comes up for vote in the environment committee in October.

Parliament at first reading voted to substitute gradually all chemicals of high concern with safer alternatives. But EU governments said that if a company could guarantee 'adequate control' of a product on the market, substitution would not be required.

MEPs are now divided between those pushing for a return to the tough line on substitution and those hoping above all for a smooth second reading agreement with governments.

A majority of MEPs still support the idea of substituting the most dangerous chemicals, saying this was the idea that inspired REACH in the first place. The centre-right EPP-ED, however, remains divided.

Green groups say that without substitution REACH will contain a dangerous loophole. "Adequate control means business as usual," said Ninja Reineke of WWF. "The Council text provides no incentive to replace the most hazardous chemicals."

Discussing his report to MEPs on Wednesday (12 July), Sacconi said a deal with the Council of Ministers before Christmas should be possible if all groups agreed a strong common position. He warned that losing REACH to a third 'conciliation' reading would be "an absolute disaster, a stupidity".

Johannes Blokland, vice-president of the environment committee, did not agree on the urgency of finalising a text most likely to be easily approved by ministers.

"Conciliation is often the most powerful tool Parliament has," he explained.

The European Parliament is preparing for a showdown on the second reading of the proposed chemicals legislation, REACH.