Glyphosate Approval

A full session of the European Parliament (EP) has backed the re-approval of the key herbicide glyphosate.  A vote by Member States was postponed last month (see March Bulletin), following concerns over health risks.  The EP’s own Environment Committee had called for the approvals process to be halted pending further studies.  However, the Parliament itself voted that the licence for the herbicide should be extended.  Whilst the decision is not binding, it seems likely to influence Member States which are scheduled to vote on the matter in May.  The EP did suggest that the re-approval should only be for 7 years rather than the standard 15, that additional restrictions should be placed on the use of glyphosate, and that further scientific studies should continue.