Brussels, 07/01/2015 (Agence Europe) - Signatories of a statement, including representatives of civil society, industry and local authorities, called on the European Parliament on Wednesday 7 January to oppose European Commission plans to withdraw the proposal on the review of waste management legislation - a key part of the circular economy legislative package (see EUROPE 11220 and 11208) - from its 2015 work programme.
In their joint statement, the signatories “underline their support for the Circular Economy package as it would bring about substantial environmental, economic and social benefits”. They state: “Given its potential for green job creation, improvements to resource security, environmental protection and inclusive development, a withdrawal of the package would represent a missed opportunity and a significant delay to its eventual implementation”. While acknowledging that there are various ideas on how to improve the proposals currently on the table, the circular economy package “provides a strong basis for democratic discussion during the legislative process”. They therefore call on MEPs to press the Commission to proceed with the ongoing legislative co-decision process. They argue that co-decision is “the most appropriate way to produce better legislation in this field”.
The statement was signed by: Association of Cities and Regions for Recycling and sustainable Resource management (ACR+), European Biogas Association, European Compost Network (ECN), European Container Glass Federation (FEVE), European Environmental Bureau (EEB), European Federation of Waste Management and Environmental Services (FEAD), Friends of the Earth Europe (FoEE), Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Union (NABU), Oceana Europe, Plastics Recyclers Europe, Resource Association, RREUSE, Seas at Risk, Surfrider Foundation Europe. (AN)