It therefore appears that within the EU there will be no qualified majority for either a ban or an extended approval. Each decision requires at least 55% of EU countries, representing 60% of the EU population, to agree. It was previously announced that Belgium would also abstain from voting, while it is already clear that Germany and Austria will vote against in any case. France, Malta, and Luxembourg are also not in favor of the European Commission’s proposal.
Minister Adema states that his choice to abstain takes into account both the scientific Ctgb advice (which supports allowing glyphosate) and the parliamentary motion to prohibit its use. He also says that the cabinet has commissioned scientists to conduct new additional research into possible health risks, such as those related to Parkinson’s disease.
The minister also points out that both the European and Dutch procedures provide for the immediate prohibition of glyphosate use if it is subsequently found to involve risks.