A compromise on the general approach for the regulation of microplastics was reached on Wednesday 11 December at a meeting of the Member States’ ambassadors to the EU (Coreper). The question of including maritime transport within the scope of the text had divided the Member States at the previous meeting on Wednesday 4 December.
Member States that were in favour of regulating maritime transport at global rather than EU level were reassured by a review clause stipulating that the regulatory measures would not exceed those of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), in the event of subsequent agreement at this level.
In the meantime, the regulation would apply and be binding on maritime transport, but only 36 months after the text comes into force. Supported by eight Member States, Croatia had proposed a 48-month postponement of the entry into force of the text for the maritime sector, i.e. 24 months after its entry into force, at the previous Coreper meeting on Wednesday 4 December (see EUROPE 13539/12). A compromise was reached on Wednesday 11 December on a 12-month postponement, according to several European sources. All in all, the transport sector will have three years to adapt.
Several countries have reviewed their position in the light of this compromise on the maritime sector. Slovenia, Slovakia and Portugal supported the compromise text. For their part, Bulgaria, Estonia, Germany and Poland expressed a positive reservation.
The regulations have a qualified majority in favour of the compromise, a source close to the matter told Agence Europe. The European environment ministers will attempt to reach agreement at the Environment Council on Tuesday 17 December. (Original version in French by Florent Servia)