The Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament urge the EU Commission to keep its commitment to propose a revision of the regulation concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) next year. We expect that this crucial reform will be part of the upcoming 2023 Commission Work Programme.

The S&D coordinator in the environment committee, Tiemo Wölken, said:

“We expect that the president of the EU Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, will include the revision of the REACH regulation in the upcoming Commission Work Programme. This is crucial to reach the goals set in the Chemical Strategy for Sustainability and maintain the EU leadership in the sound management of chemicals.

“It is our duty to protect the health of our citizens and at the same time the environment. For this, we need to tackle pollution from all sources, facilitate the transition to safer alternatives, and move towards a toxic-free environment. Delivering the REACH reform as soon as possible would ensure better protection of vulnerable groups, workers, and the general population against the exposure to harmful chemicals.

“If we want to make our chemical industry fit for the future - competitive, sustainable and in line with the goals of the European Green Deal - there is no going back. The Chemicals Strategy constitutes a core element of the European Green Deal and is an important and needed step towards a zero pollution environment, especially for our citizens.”

The S&D vice president responsible for the European Green Deal, Mohammed Chahim, stated:

“The Chemical Strategy for Sustainability is a crucial part of the European Green Deal and in achieving a zero pollution environment. Besides the obvious benefits to our own health and environment in the EU, REACH is also important in ensuring a level playing field between EU-based and foreign manufacturers.

“Furthermore, since REACH also applies to foreign manufacturers who want to export their products to the EU, it can even contribute in protecting their health and environment against harmful substances as well.

“We therefore call on the Commission to include the revision of REACH in the new Commission Work Programme and to not delay the revision of this very important piece of legislation any further.”