Hormone disrupting chemicals
EU Parliament shows European Commission the red card
The European Parliament has today voted in favour of an objection to the EU Commission's criteria seeking to introduce a derogation from an existing ban of certain hormone disrupting chemicals (endocrine disrupters). The objection passed with a majority of 389 votes, 13 votes above the threshold of 376 for an absolute majority.
With its current proposal, the EU Commission goes well beyond its mandate because it not only sets out criteria, but also attempts to halt a ban on endocrine disrupters in the environmental sector. Following today’s vote, Greens/EFA MEP, Bas Eickhout, who initiated the objection, is now calling for rapid action from the European Commission:
“The vote we have won today is a victory for democracy, the environment and for citizens.
“The European Parliament has managed to stop the thoroughly undemocratic attempt by the EU Commission to change the rules on certain endocrine disruptors through the back door. The European Parliament has done its duty to protect the environment and democracy.”
The Commission now needs to revise its proposal and it can no longer propose the unlawful derogation to an existing ban in the basic act via comitology.
Background
Endocrine disrupters are chemical substances, found in pesticides, cosmetics and everyday items, which can have a serious health impact on the hormone systems of humans and animals. Today’s vote in plenary comes after the Social Democrats and Greens joined forces in the European Parliament’s Environment committee.
