INTERVIEW – The European Commission has withdrawn its proposal to renew the authorization of glyphosate in the EU. Too many countries oppose this measure.
New setback for glyphosate. This weedkiller, developed by the giant Monsanto, was authorized in Europe for a limited period. The precious sesame expires on June 30, and a first renewal proposal has been rejected. As the calendar is tightening and spirits are heating up, the European Commission has met again to consider a second proposal: 7 years of renewal against 15 previously, and a use reserved for professionals.
But the European Parliament condemned the practice of green burndown caused by glyphosate, also suspected of causing cancer. France has opposed head on to a new authorization of the product and has rallied several countries to its side, including Germany, Sweden and Italy. As the votes in favor of renewal were no longer sufficient, the Commission had to withdraw its proposal, congratulates himself the Ministry of Ecology and Sustainable Development. The president of the association Future generations, François Veillerette, is also quite satisfied.
What options does the European Commission now have?
François Veillerette: Several options are available to her. There is not much time left to call a new vote, but it is a possibility. She can also choose to let it run for a while. The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) is due to issue an opinion on glyphosate within one to two years. The Commission can decide to play for time, or even to make a technical extension with this objective in mind. I can hardly imagine a forced passage, which would cause an uproar among the many countries which abstain. It seems unthinkable and difficult to justify.
How do you react to this withdrawal from the proposal?
François Veillerette: A change of mind by Parliament would have been bad news. We can rejoice in the government’s firmness: even Marisol Touraine took a stand, which she had never done. She recalled that whatever happens, France will not allow glyphosate. It’s pretty huge: never has such a challenge taken place.
What are you claiming regarding glyphosate?
François Veillerette: We ask the Commission to take into account the opinion of the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), which links glyphosate to three different cancers. In view of the numerous epidemiological studies, it can be classified as a probable carcinogen. We therefore suggest that the Commission take note of this opinion, of the States’ reluctance, and that it give up.
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