The herbicide could be authorized until December 15, 2033 if the 27 agree in a vote on Friday.
A meeting is taking place in Brussels where the 27 member countries will decide on the future of glyphosate in Europe. By Friday, October 13, they must vote on whether or not to extend the marketing authorization for the most widely used herbicide in agriculture. The European Commission is proposing to extend it for ten years but the question of its effects on health has never been resolved, in the absence of scientific consensus on its possible dangerousness.
1Why such a long authorization?
The last authorization was only for a period of five years. The Commission’s opinion this time doubles the marketing period. In 2017, the ax came close. Parliament had put pressure on it. France had voted against and against all expectations Germany had finally supported the renewal. Since then, France has changed its position on the release of glyphosate. The European right has become very tense on environmental issues and the next European elections are scheduled in eight months.
Officially the commission justifies the ten years because it does not expect new elements on the studies in the short term. But questions about the impacts of glyphosate are increasing. Associations opposed to the renewal have gathered half a million signatures in France. Their arguments on the failure to take into account university studies in the conclusions of European agencies are becoming more and more relevant. And in France at the beginning of the week a family was compensated by the Pesticide Victims Compensation Fund for exposure to glyphosate.
2How will the 27 decide?
A vote will take place within the framework of what is called Scopaff, for Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed. animal feed. This committee is chaired by the European Commission. Countries are represented by delegations. They have two days to position themselves. The commission proposes a ten-year renewal. Under conditions. In particular with buffer strips of 5 to 10 m during spreading.
Observers believe that the committee could take an indicative vote today just to test the waters. If a majority emerges, the formal vote could take place on Friday. If there is no majority on the Commission’s proposal, it can review its copy, or go to the appeals committee. Adoption in Scopaff is done by qualified majority, that is to say 55% of countries which represent 65% of the population. On appeal it is by simple majority.
3What is the position of European countries?
France and Germany have indicated that they wish to modify the Commission’s proposal. According to the media Contexte, Paris would like a period of seven years and, according to an official document, an alignment with its doctrine of prohibition if there is no alternative solution. Luxembourg and Austria could vote against, the Netherlands and Belgium abstaining. The authorization of glyphosate expires on December 15.