The European Commission postpones the decision on the future of glyphosate

After Brexit, issues such as the expiry of the authorisation of the active substance glyphosate remain in the background. The decision was once again postponed, although the current authorisation for the use of glyphosate in Europe expires on 30 June 2016.

In connection with the EU summit, which was moved to 28 and 29 June because of the Referendum held in the United Kingdom, the European Commission has again postponed the decision regarding the extension of the authorisation of glyphosate.

The current authorisation of the contentious active substance in Europe expires on Thursday, 30 June.

The EU authorities are expected to extend the use of the herbicide for a period of 18 months, because the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has given its positive assessment of the use of glyphosate.

The Member States have still failed to reach a unanimous position on the issue. During three consecutive votes after March, no qualified majority was reached, which entirely transferred the responsibility for the decision to the European Commission. In practice, the Commission can decide on the extension or, respectively, the ban of the herbicide only through a written procedure, i.e. without a meeting of the European Commissioners.

More on the topic:

Who wants to extend the authorisation of glyphosate? (part 1)

Who wants to extend the authorisation of glyphosate? (part 2)