The European Commission announced this week that a renewal of glyphosate use has been granted for a decade. The current permission, due to expire, has prompted member states to debate the terms of continued authorisation but consensus could not be reached during today’s discussions.
During the Standing Committee on Plants Animals Food and Feed, known as Scopaff, on 13 October representatives considered the Commission’s proposal to extend glyphosate for ten years. The majority to either approve or reject did not form, leaving the question unresolved within that forum.
As a result, the proposal was revisited in the Appeal Committee with participation from EU member states. The Commission stated that a qualified majority was not achieved to decide whether to renew or dismiss the glyphosate concession, necessitating further action by the governing body.
Ultimately, the European Commission retains the authority to finalize the decision, and today it confirmed an agreement to renew glyphosate authorization for ten years under specified conditions. The decision will hinge on EU law and the absence of a clear directional vote from member states, with the current approval set to end at the end of the existing period.
Officials noted that under EU rules and in light of the lack of a decisive majority, the Commission must issue a formal determination by a defined deadline, ensuring continuity while safeguarding aligned with legal requirements. The community administration summarized this stance in a formal statement.
In a broader context, the Commission highlighted that it will base the renewal on comprehensive risk assessments conducted by EU bodies including the European Food Safety Authority and the European Chemicals Agency, in collaboration with member states. The renewal will be lodged with additional precautionary measures and restrictions to address safety concerns.
These safeguards include prohibiting glyphosate as a desiccant just before harvest and implementing specific steps to minimize exposure to non-target organisms. The aim is to balance agricultural needs with environmental and public health considerations.
While the license for glyphosate will be renewed within the EU, member states retain the responsibility for national licensing of plant protection products containing the chemical. This decentralised approach allows national authorities to set or adjust requirements based on local risk assessments.
Nationwide restrictions
Consequently, each EU country retains the option to impose tighter restrictions at the national level if warranted by risk evaluations. The Commission underscored that regional or local measures may be adopted to safeguard biodiversity and ecosystems, subject to ongoing scientific review and risk considerations.
Glyphosate-containing products are predominantly used in agriculture and horticulture to manage woody plants and shrubs that threaten crop yields. Public health and environmental groups have long debated the chemical’s safety profile, while regulators continue to weigh the evidence from major safety authorities.
In earlier assessments, the World Health Organization raised questions about the carcinogenic potential. Later analyses by the EFSA and ECHA, together with input from member states, concluded that a balanced view is warranted, acknowledging that some uncertainties remain but supporting continued use under strict conditions and ongoing monitoring.
Amid ongoing discussion, the Commission signaled in a subsequent update that renewed licensing would proceed with clear conditions. The aim is to extend the legal framework for the EU while ensuring that measures to protect human and environmental health are robust and enforceable.
Overall, the proposal to renew glyphosate licensing for another decade reflects a careful synthesis of scientific evidence, regulatory prudence, and agricultural practicality. The outcome prioritises risk management and transparency, with a framework designed to prevent adverse effects and promote responsible use throughout the union.
Public communication emphasizes that the final decision rests with the Commission, which will consider the latest risk assessments, the precautionary principle, and the evolving stance of member states. The ten-year renewal is presented as a stable, long-term policy option rather than a temporary measure, subject to continued oversight and review.
As debates continue, the EU maintains a watchful eye on agricultural needs, biodiversity protection, and the integrity of food safety standards. The path forward reflects a balance between facilitating farming practices and upholding rigorous safeguards to protect health and the environment.
References to recent risk assessments and regulatory decisions are attributed to the European Commission, the European Food Safety Authority, and the European Chemicals Agency, with conclusions drawn from ongoing collaboration among member states and EU institutions.
In this evolving regulatory landscape, farmers and stakeholders are advised to stay informed about any national adaptations to glyphosate use, as local authorities may implement additional restrictions to align with new scientific findings and ecological priorities.