Controversial weedkiller glyphosate will be allowed to be used in Europe for another decade

The European Commission has ruled that the controversial weedkiller glyphosate can continue to be used in the European Union for now. However, to better protect nature, new requirements and restrictions on the use of the drug will be introduced.

Approval of the herbicide expired on December 15, but has now been extended by ten years due to the ruling. Glyphosate is used in agriculture to protect plants from weeds.

The European Commission took this decision because EU member states could not make a decision again today. As was the case last month, there was no majority for or against, as the Netherlands and many other countries abstained.

To accept or reject the Commission’s proposal, a majority of at least fifteen EU member states, representing 65 percent of EU citizens, was required.

Controversial

Glyphosate is one of the most widely used herbicides in agriculture. The drug is controversial because, among other things, scientific studies have linked it to Parkinson’s disease and other diseases. There are also concerns about the drug’s impact on nature and the environment.

Last month the majority in Parliament made an “urgent appeal” to outgoing Agriculture Minister Adema not to accept the extension of the permit. More than 150 scientists and organizations, including the FNV union and the Parkinson’s Association, also tried to persuade the minister to vote against it.

But Adema did not answer. He is refraining from voting because he wants to wait for the results of new research on the drug’s health risks.

Scientists at the St. Louis Bolk Institute told the House of Representatives last month that there are few alternatives to weed control in normal agriculture. In the same discussion, it was pointed out that existing alternatives could also be harmful to the environment.

Source: NOS