As a result, the European Commission is facing even more delays in plans to tackle hazardous chemicals. Environmental groups warn that this will lead to increased pollution. There will also be no European ban on the use of non-degradable chemicals (forever chemicals) such as PFAS.
Four years ago, the European Commission (VDL-1) presented an ambitious plan to restrict broad groups of harmful substances. That plan was seen as one of the biggest interventions in chemical regulation in Europe.
Farmers’ Protest
However, due to protests from European farmers and opposition in the European Parliament, no ban was imposed on the use of hazardous chemicals in agriculture.
Promotion
Four years later, it appears that the implementation of this part of the Green Deal is lagging. For many of the planned measures, work has either not started or is at a standstill. This is causing growing concerns about progress.
Dangerous
Environmental organizations claim that the Commission itself is the main reason for the delay. According to them, the response to reducing dangerous chemicals has been too slow, despite previous promises to act faster against harmful substances.
The delays have resulted in additional pollution. This involves tens of thousands of tons of chemicals that might otherwise have been restricted earlier. The substances in question are often found in everyday products, such as materials used in children's products or other consumer articles. Some of these remain present in the environment for a long time.
Restart?
According to existing rules, the Commission must respond to expert advice within a few months. In practice, this does not always happen on time. Decisions can be delayed for years. The delays range from more than a year to almost four years. Environmental groups are urging the Commission to act faster and to get the plan's implementation back on track.