This news item shows extracts from the MEPs debate with Council and Commission on the proposal to extend the authorisation to use glyphosate in the EU for ten more years. Glyphosate is currently approved in the EU until 15 December 2023 and can therefore be used as an active substance in plant protection products (pesticides) until that date, if authorised by national authorities.

statement

Strasbourg

debate

plenary session

LIESE, Peter (EPP, DE)

use of glyphosate (T)

CANFIN, Pascal (Renew, FR)

CHAHIM, Mohammed (S&D, NL)

PAULUS, Jutta (Greens/EFA, DE)

KYRIAKIDES, Stella (CY, EC)

NAVARRO RÍOS, Pascual Ignacio

The proposed extension of glyphosate in the EU: extracts from the debate

The proposed extension of glyphosate in the EU: extracts from the debate (EbS)

SOUNDBITE (Spanish), Pascual NAVARRO R&Iacute;OS, Spanish Secretary of State for the European Union, We'll continue to be compiled on the use of glyphosate. We are convinced that the European Authority, together with experts from Member States, will follow progress closely with scientific rigour when taking decision based with full control of checks on glyphosate and will revise the conclusions if it is necessary for public health or the environment.

SOUNDBITE (English), Stella KYRIAKIDES, European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, Renewal approval can be granted for a maximum of 15 years. At the same time, scientific research into glyphosate is ongoing, with new information public regularly. On the other hand, we have no access to substance twice in a relatively short period and each time coming to the same conclusion. Having weighed up these factors, the Commission considers that a ten year renewal of approval is appropriate.

SOUNDBITE (English), Stella KYRIAKIDES, European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, Several Member States have asked and suggested for a 15 year renewal. The Commission has proposed renewal of approval for ten years for the reasons I have already explained. Of course, I want to assure you that this does not mean we will stand idly should new evidence emerge. I want to be very clear that we have undertaken and there will be a permanent scrutiny whenever and whichever new evidence shows that the approval criteria are not met, we will take action immediately to amend and even withdraw the approval if this is warranted.

SOUNDBITE (German), Peter LIESE (EPP, DE), From my point of view banning this is not the right path and therefore we did not support the aim of a ban in sensitive areas. This was already discussed in Parliament but we don't support a ban. On glyphosate as a very important plant protection product. In practice if our own bodies, EFSA and our own European experts for food and chemicals say there is no problem, then I say Social Democrats and Greens listen to the science not only when it suits you, but also for new breeding methods and for glyphosate.

SOUNDBITE (Dutch), Mohammed CHAHIM (S&amp;D, NL), This makes farmers, farmers, in particular, extra vulnerable and poses a risk to local residents. In France, the regulations were then tightened. Parkinson's disease has even been classified as an occupational disease there. For farmers who are exposed to too much and too much to glyphosate and in court in the United States in 2018. Proof that a gardener owed his cancer diagnosis to the multiple use of glyphosate. As a result, a gigantic compensation for manufacturer Monsanto. It has become painful that important advice and studies about the health risks of glyphosate by the European Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority were not included in the advice. The interests of industry seem to outweigh Spanish in this opinion because only studies by the industry itself are included in the advice. So there is a silent killer in those orange green fields. And that is not only bad for the farmer himself, but also for biodiversity. For example, bees have a harder time finding their way back to their nests and weakened against parasites in mania. Glyphosate also kills fields of nectar-rich wild flowers that provide food for bees. We must move to a more resilient and sustainable agriculture. This is better for the climate, the environment and the farmers.

SOUNDBITE (French), Pascal CANFIN (Renew, FR), Glyphosate is not safe. It's not dangerous enough to withdraw it from the market. This means there is no legal basis to withdraw it now. But read the second message. The second message is to say that there's a huge amount of data that hasn't been collected and many facts on biodiversity that are not taken into consideration.

SOUNDBITE (German), Jutta PAULUS (Greens/EFA, DE), I spent a very long part of my life in a scientific repository, and if we'd written in a reporter, we're missing a data no customer would have ever accepted that. No critical areas of concern doesn't mean no concerns. It means none of the concerns has occurred in all 2023 applications.