During the plenary session in the European Parliament in Strasbourg (15-18 April 2019), MEPs debate on a comprehensive European Union framework on endocrine disruptors. Statements by Violeta BULC, Member of the EC in charge of Transport, Julie GIRLING (EPP, UK), Miriam DALLI (S&D, MT), Frédérique RIES (ALDE, BE) and Michèle RIVASI (Greens/EFA, FR).

A comprehensive European Union framework on endocrine disruptors: extracts from the debate

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SOUNDBITE (English), Violeta BULC, Member of the EC in charge of Transport, The EU approach to endocrine disruptors needs to remain based on science and on the application of the precautionary principle. We have three objectives in mind: First minimizing overall exposure to endocrine disruptors. Second accelerating the development of science. And third promoting an active promoting an active dialogue with all stakeholders.

SOUNDBITE (English), Julie GIRLING (EPP, UK), We do hear quite a lot of what I would call ideological hysteria about endocrine disruptors . I'm thinking here about Amendment 1 is a good example. We will not be supporting it in the EPP. It calls on the same actions for suspected and occurring disrupters ,as for proven and endocrine disruptors. This goes too far goes too quickly. And it's not based on scientific evidence.

SOUNDBITE (English), Miriam DALLI (S&amp;D, MT), Postponing concrete action to regulate endocrine disruption is not a luxury we can afford. These chemicals are present in many products and materials around us including, plastic bottles, children's toys cosmetics and food packaging. And Europe must do everything possible to phase out dangerous substances particularly those having endocrine disrupting properties. But in order to do so, we need the political will and we need concrete action.

SOUNDBITE (French), Fr&#233;d&#233;rique RIES (ALDE, BE), This new strategy, well for me this sounds like empty words. The definition for example of endocrine disruptors only applies tofito pharma products. But we know now that 80% of exposure comes through the food. So that should be banned in all of the materials which are in contact with food and also in cosmetics, and as we've heard in toys. Yesterday I checked and only 8 substances are listed as endocrine disruptors in the European database, but there are over a thousand ! A report published a few days ago detected 90 (endocrine disruptors) in one single river in France! So we have to speed up with the tests on identification.

SOUNDBITE (French), Mich&#232;le RIVASI (Greens/EFA, FR), You're suggesting that we should apply the precautionary principle we need to minimize exposure. When I look at Mrs. Domenech report from CNRS and or Mr. Slama from INSERM what do they say? They say that there is an increase of exposure of endocrine disruptors to pregnant women and tothe population in general. And you're not even putting forward a concrete action plan. Now this solution that we are suggesting here says: yes, go for it! From a legislative perspective, there isn't even a joint definition that is cross cutting of what an endocrine disruptor is! We find them in cosmetics, toys, additives, food contact substances... And the definition only mentions pesticides or REACH. I mean it's absolutely incredible. And look at the evaluation tests. They haven't even been put in place to cover all of the authorization requests for substances. So who are we kidding?

A comprehensive European Union framework on endocrine disruptors: extracts from the debate

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