The state of play and the next steps in the procedure of the
renewal of the approval of glyphosate was on the European
Commission's agenda today.
The Commission is working towards reaching a decision which
enjoys the broadest possible support by the Member States while
ensuring a high level of protection of human health and the
environment in line with the EU legislation. Following the
exchange of views with the Member States' representatives on 25
October, a proposal for
the renewal of the approval of glyphosate for five years was
submitted to Member States. The period of five years also takes
into account the latest non-binding Resolution adopted by the
European Parliament.
A vote is scheduled to take place on 9 November at the next
Standing Committee on Plant Animal Food and Feed meeting composed
of representatives from all Member States and chaired by the
European Commission.
The approval of active substances, such as glyphosate, and the
authorisation of plant protection products, is outlined in
the Regulation which
sets out the requirements, procedure and timeframe for such.
Under the current EU legislation, the European Commission has the
legal obligation to reply to the submitted applications for
approval or renewal of approval of active substances. The
authorisation of Plant Protection Products (PPPs), such as those
which are glyphosate-based, as well as the conditions for their
use within the territories of EU Member States, remains the
responsibility of Member States, who have to conduct risk
assessments for each product, taking into account the climatic
and agricultural conditions in their territories.
The Commission has consistently called for the full
implementation of the Sustainable Use of
Pesticides Directive, the introduction of low risk and bio
pesticides, and a ban of certain co-formulants that are used in
glyphosate-based products. More information about glyphosate is
available online.
