On June 27-28, 2019, the European Commission (EC) and the Ministry of Environment and Food of Denmark are hosting a high level conference in Brussels, Belgium titled “EU Chemicals Policy 2030: Building on the past, moving to the future.” The EC will “provide the outcomes of its recent evaluations and initiatives in the EU chemicals policies” and invite all stakeholders involved in EU chemicals policy to “discuss the recent developments in the EU chemicals policy, taking stock of the overall situation and the current challenges” and to “discuss future steps and potential developments of the EU chemicals policy in order to improve the protection of human health and the environment.” A detailed program of the event outlines its objectives and a range of thematic sessions including chemicals and the circular economy and improving the regulatory framework for risk assessment and management of hazardous chemicals.
In an article published by regulatory news provider Chemical Watch, the EC is reported to also be releasing their long awaited report on the fitness check of all chemicals regulations excluding REACH (FPF reported) just before the start of the conference. The report was originally expected to be released in 2017, but an overwhelming amount of information received during the public consultation has caused severe delays. Tatiana Santos from non-governmental organization European Environmental Bureau (EEB) told Chemical Watch that she is hoping the EC will offer “clear conclusions and recommendations” in the report to address existing legislative gaps. She is calling for action to solve inconsistencies in EU chemicals regulations such as the ongoing allowed use of substances of very high concern (SVHCs) in food contact materials.
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European Commission (May 2019). “EU Chemicals Policy 2030.”
European Commission (May 6, 2019). “EU chemicals policy 2030: building on the past, moving to the future.” (pdf)
Clelia Oziel (May 23, 2019). “EU to publish ‘fitness check’ on non-REACH chemical laws in June.”
