Agrifood

Commission open to ‘biodiversity clause’ to end glyphosate deadlock

The European Commission stands ready to insert a clause referring to biodiversity in the glyphosate renewal proposal if requested by member states, a Commission Spokesperson told EURACTIV.

Commission: "So far, no member state has made a request to insert such a clause referring to biodiversity." [Global Justice Now/Flickr]

Share
Facebook X LinkedIn Mail

Donec et orci aliquet nisl suscipit molestie sed sit amet tortor. Duis vel urna ac mi sollicitudin lacinia mollis sit amet lorem. Sed finibus erat nec libero scelerisque fringilla. Morbi at orci sed urna vulputate vulputate. Nulla facilisi. Donec et orci aliquet nisl suscipit molestie sed sit amet tortor.

Want to keep reading?

Get a subscription on Euractiv Pro and elevate your political insight!

Discover Euractiv Pro
For corporations

Positions

European Commissioner for Agriculture Phil Hogan recently said, “I'm very concerned at the moment, particularly with the recent announcement by France that an essential product like glyphosate which deals with weeds will not be available.”

“We want member states to come forward and support the science-based recommendation of Commissioner Vytenis Andriukaitis and ensure the continuation of glyphosate for the next 10 years. It is too important for agriculture - and for urban dwellers as well who haven't access to alternative problems in relation to weeds in their gardens either,” the Irish Commissioner added.

Background

Glyphosate is the active ingredient in the best-selling herbicide Roundup produced by US agrochemicals giant Monsanto.

Amid fears that glyphosate may be carcinogenic, its reauthorisation has sparked an intense debate in Brussels and the EU capitals. Opponents of glyphosate, led by Greenpeace, point to research from the World Health Organisation suggesting it may cause cancer. As a result, they are calling for an outright ban.

On the other hand, the European Chemicals Agency concluded last March that the available scientific evidence did not meet the criteria to classify glyphosate as a carcinogen, a mutagen or a substance toxic for reproduction.

In May, the College of Commissioners proposed a ten-year renewal of glyphosate’s licence but the 28 EU member states will still have the final say.

 

Further Reading

Updated: 29-09-2024

Topics  

More from this section

Browse all articles
Agrifood

Top deforestation drivers could dodge ‘high risk’ tag under EU benchmarking

03/10/2024

3 min. read

Agrifood

Fishing suspension in Bay of Biscay sparks criticism by the European fishermen

03/10/2024

4 min. read

Agrifood

Delay in EU anti-deforestation enforcement leaves little time to make changes

02/10/2024

4 min. read

More from this author

Browse all articles
Politics

Middle East crisis: Commission says EU remains ‘safe haven’ for refugees

03/10/2024

6 min. read

Politics

Greek left says Le Pen’s right hand Bardella ‘unwanted’ in Athens

02/10/2024

4 min. read

Politics

EU prosecutor calls on Greece to change law protecting ministers

01/10/2024

3 min. read

Subscribe to our newsletters

Subscribe