Glyphosate Renewal Postponed Again

The EU has failed again to agree on the re-approval of the popular herbicide glyphosate.  Member States were due to vote on the decision back in March but this was postponed when it was clear there was not going to be a qualified majority.  Last month a full session of the European Parliament backed the re-approval, although for just seven years instead of fifteen and for professional use only.  Whilst this decision was not binding it seemed likely that it would pave way for a decision to be made in May.  But the Commission has made it clear that it requires a ‘solid qualified majority’ and once again this was not going to happen and a vote was not held.  Notable countries who have expressed opposition to re-approval include France and Austria, with opinion in Germany divided.