Shaping an ambitious legislative framework for endocrine disruptors
A high-level panel discussion on the gaps between science and legislation
ESE Events
07 Jun 2023 14:00 - 16:30 CEST
European Parliament, Brussels
Watch the full recording of ESE event on EDCs in the European Parliament held on 7 June 2023.
The meeting brought together a broad variety of stakeholders to discuss the importance of an ambitious REACH revision while discussing progressing and remaining challenges in other areas including CLP, PFAS and Bisphenols.
Background
With the terms of the current European Parliament and Commission slowly coming to an end there are significant concerns that the REACH revision will not be completed in time or that the revision will be rushed through, therefore not leading to the overhaul that is needed to bring the legislation in line with the latest scientific findings. If REACH is not addressed during this legislative term, this could endanger any real progress in EU chemicals legislation for years to come as it is impossible to predict what priorities the next European Commission, European Parliament and Council will have.
In addition to revising the overarching legislation, there are several ongoing consultations and political debates within the existing REACH framework around restriction of groups of chemicals including PFAS and Bisphenols. Banning or minimising the presence of these groups of chemicals could significantly contribute to reducing the onset of endocrine and other diseases.
The meeting brought together a broad variety of stakeholders to discuss the importance of an ambitious REACH revision while discussing progressing and remaining challenges in other areas including CLP, PFAS and Bisphenols. Leading European experts presented the latest available science and gave special attention to vulnerable groups in our society with a focus on women and children as the impact of endocrine disruptors on these two specific groups has not been sufficiently highlighted in the ongoing EU debate.
The panel discussion, moderated by Sue Saville, mainly centred around REACH and the difference a timely and ambitious revision could make for European public health. Among many other topics, the panel members discussed the position of the different EU institutions towards REACH and revisited a recent Petition as well as an Open Letter by ESE and its partners urging the European Commission to publish an ambitious proposal now. Initiatives by patient organisations and civil society in relation to REACH or other topics in the area of endocrine disruptors were also discussed in more detail.
07/06/2023