16/01/24 (Agence Europe) – The provisional political agreement reached between the European Parliament and the EU Council in June 2023 (see EUROPE 13201/18) on reducing emissions of ozone-depleting substances (ODS) was ratified on Tuesday 16 January by MEPs at the plenary session in Strasbourg, with 538 votes in favour, 8 against and 13 abstentions. The revised regulation introduces the obligation to recover and recycle ODS present in building materials, in particular insulating foams, during renovation work. These materials are identified as the main source of residual ODS emissions in the European Union. In addition, the text specifies strict exemptions for the use of ODS as raw materials in certain industries, in particular the pharmaceutical and chemical industries, as well as for their use as processing agents, in laboratories and for fire protection. (NP)