Brussels, 02/04/2013 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday 27 March, an informal agreement was reached between the Council of the EU and the European Parliament on the new legislative proposal to introduce protection mechanisms and new maximum exposure levels to electromagnetic fields.
In a press release, the rapporteur, Elisabeth Morin Chartier (EPP, France) pointed out that, “this agreement includes new international value limits, whilst taking into account the specificity of certain sectors of activity, such as the medical imaging and defence sectors, in an effort to avoid restricting their use”. Among some of the points negotiated, the Parliament, “obtained the introduction of a data traceability list on the health of workers subject to electromagnetic fields”, explained the rapporteur. The chairperson of the employment and social affairs committee, Pervenche Berès (S&D, France), was delighted that in keeping with the wishes of many MEPs, the Commission would have to, “present a new legislative proposal in the event of proven risk from the long-term effects on health”(our translation throughout).
This is still a provisional agreement but it is expected to be formally ratified at the Council on 10 April and by Parliament in May. The Irish presidency of the Council is hoping that this directive will enter into force in all member states by July 2016 at the latest. (JK/transl.fl)