Shortly before an important vote on the possible re-approval of glyphosate, there is still no sign of a majority in favor of the project. According to information from the German Press Agency from EU circles, a test vote in the responsible expert committee did not result in a sufficient majority in favor of renewing the approval.
The EU Commission had proposed renewing the approval of the controversial weed killer until the end of 2033. Glyphosate is still permitted in the EU until mid-December. Critics see the use of glyphosate as a major threat to the environment, but manufacturers contradict this.
If a qualified majority votes in favor of the EU Commission’s proposal on Friday, nothing will stand in the way of renewing the approval. For a qualified majority, the EU Commission needs the consent of at least 55 percent of the EU states, which at the same time represent at least 65 percent of the EU population.
If a majority is not found for the project, the issue must be discussed again in an appeals committee. If there is neither a qualified majority for nor against the Commission’s proposal in the Appeal Committee, the Commission must decide independently. It is considered very unlikely that a majority will speak out against renewing the approval.
At the end of July, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) published a study on glyphosate in which it found no unacceptable risks, but found data gaps in several areas. The agent should be allowed to be used under certain conditions. Measures must therefore be taken to reduce risks. The aim is to prevent glyphosate from being blown away heavily during use.
Federal Agriculture Minister Cem Özdemir (Greens) had clearly spoken out against the prolonged use of glyphosate. Countries such as the Netherlands and Austria will also not support a renewal of approval.
