31/08/2020 (Agence Europe) – Postponed at the request of the German Federal Minister of Agriculture, the vote on the proposal to restrict the use of lead gunshot in wetlands in the EU under the REACH Regulation is scheduled for 3 September (see EUROPE 12482/35). According to MEP Martin Haüsling (Greens/EFA, Germany), the reworked proposal is insufficient. “We need the ban on lead. As soon as possible! Every year, one million birds die because of these munitions, which are toxic to animals and humans. Germany and the Czech Republic carelessly delayed the ban on lead ammunition by a stalling tactic, in July, whereas it is supposed to apply only to wetlands. Countries with more than 20 per cent wetlands have 1 year more (i.e. 3 years) than other countries to switch to lead-free ammunition”,he says. (AN)