November 17, 2022, 5:17 am | Read time: 2 minutes
Environmentalists consider glyphosate to be harmful to the environment and carcinogenic. For this reason, the EU does not want to extend the pesticide’s approval. However, it now finds itself compelled to do so.
Despite significant criticism, the controversial weed killer glyphosate can still be used in the EU for one more year than previously planned. The European Commission will decide to extend the temporary approval of the weed killer until December 15, 2023, a spokesperson for the European Commission said. Although the decision has not yet been formally made, it will be by December 15, when the current approval for glyphosate in the EU expires.
Many EU States Did Not Agree to the Extension
The Commission stated that it was legally obligated to extend the approval, even though many EU states did not agree to the extension. Additional time is needed for the responsible EU authority to review all necessary information and assess the safety of the substance with legal certainty. A long-term decision regarding glyphosate is to be made afterward.
Related: Study Finds Glyphosate Affects Bumblebee Brood Care
Consumer Organization Criticizes
Criticism of the European Commission’s announcement comes from the consumer organization Foodwatch. The case shows that the EU’s pesticide approval process needs reform. “Pesticides should only be used as a last resort in emergencies,” the organization stated.
The pesticide is criticized for allegedly causing cancer, a claim that manufacturer Bayer vehemently denies. There has been a long-standing dispute over the weed killer. In 2017, the substance was approved in the EU for another five years after months of debate. There were massive protests against it, especially in Germany. Germany plans to ban glyphosate starting in early 2024.
With material from dpa