At its plenary session on Wednesday 29 April, European Parliament adopted its negotiating position regarding the reform of the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA).
In adopting (526 votes in favour, 56 against and 69 abstentions) the report by Christophe Clergeau (S&D, French) on this file, Parliament is set to enter negotiations with the EU Council in view of reaching an agreement (see EUROPE 13849/8).
MEPs advocate for a marked strengthening of the independence, transparency and scientific role of the agency, which is responsible for assessing the risks associated with chemical substances in the European Union.
The amendments aim to tighten the rules regarding conflicts of interest applicable to members of the management board, scientific committees and experts, while reiterating that these individuals must act “in the interests of the Union”. European Parliament emphasises the need for better gender balance within the agency’s governance bodies.
In terms of transparency, Parliament demands the systematic publication of scientific opinions, as well as making detailed minutes of committee meetings available to the public.
Parliament also expands ECHA’s scientific role. It calls on the agency to devote greater attention to alternative methods to animal testing, to the assessment of nanomaterials and to new scientific approaches, particularly in vitro and in silico.
MEPs are strengthening safeguards for the agency’s scientific integrity by establishing reporting mechanisms to address instances of undue pressure or interference, together with follow-up procedures and an annual report.
Finally, they call on Member States to provide sufficient scientific and administrative support to the national experts involved in ECHA’s work.
The mandate: https://aeur.eu/f/lr5 (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)