The European Parliament has proposed a compromise regarding the controversial pesticide glyphosate. On Tuesday the delegates voted with a big majority to allow the use of the pesticide only for the next five years, but under very strict restrictions. Especially the pre-harvest use, which is already forbidden in several European Member States, shall be forbidden all over in Europe.
The vote is legally not binding, but leads the way for the meeting of the Regulatroy Committee, that is composed of representatives of the EU Member States and the European Commission. This body will discuss this topic on Wednesday. “Even in a tough situation and regarding controversial subjects like the given one, the Parliament shows that it is possible to find reasonable compromises. An immediate ban of glyphosate is in my opinion not justified, because in this moment there are no acceptable alternatives to it. In the worst case a cocktail of several more problematic substances would be used, because it is not possible to shift the European agriculture in such a short period of time towards organic cultivation. Therefore we need time and during this period of time alternatives must be developed. Nevertheless, we think that the Commission proposal can be improved by several conditions. I find it unbearable that in some countries Glyphosate is still used directly before crop harvesting for weed control. From my point of view this is not sustainable agriculture.”
In a case of failure of the negotiations on a Brexit agreement, the British industry should not have an undue advantage and European competitors should not have an undue disadvantage. That`s why the biggest parliamentary Group in the European Parliament (EPP) supported by other political Groups tabled an amendment on the ETS directive. The European Parliament will discuss the Girling-report on the inclusion of aviation in the ETS on Monday and will vote on it on Wednesday. Given the raising concern that there is no comprehensive agreement with the UK government during the two years negotiation, MEPs take precautionary action. Allowances given to UK companies free should not be valid in the EU-ETS if those companies don`t have any more obligations under the ETS.
Read more: No advantage for British companies in climate policy in case of a hard Brexit
The EU institutions have agreed on amendments to the ETS Directive late Wednesday evening. The main purpose of the Commission proposal that has been agreed with major amendments is the contribution of aviation to climate mitigation policy. But Parliament, Council and Commission used the opportunity to clarify the Directive and prepare for the event that there is no agreement with the British government on the modalities of the Brexit. "We very much hope that we find a good agreement with the British government and especially in climate and energy policy, for us, it would be the preferred option that the UK continues participation in EU polices. I appreciate that British industry is in favour of this solution but the hardliner in London may make such an agreement impossible. That´s why we have to prepare ourselves for a hard Brexit. We need to protect the environment and the competiveness of the industry in the EU 27 “, said Peter Liese, environmental spokesman of the biggest parliamentary group (EPP-Christian democrats).The Commission will be authorized to label the UK certificates and in case of a hard Brexit they will be invalidated.
We need a strong reaction - Europe and the rest of the world must continue their efforts - Protection of European industry even more important
“The decision of US-President Trump to step back from the Paris Agreement is regrettable but I am sure the Paris Agreement and the worldwide efforts to fight climate change will survive Donald Trump. Europe and the rest of the world need to give a strong reaction. We need to fulfil our commitments and continue the international process on climate mitigation. But on the other it´s now even more important to protect European industry when it´s producing according to the best possible standard” says MEP Peter Liese, spokesperson for environment of the EPP group in the European Parliament. Liese outlined its positions as follows: “The decision of Trump cannot be legally binding before 2020.
Read more: The decision is regrettable but the Paris Agreement will survive Trump