Re-attribution of scientific and technical tasks and improving cooperation among Union agencies in the area of chemicals

The European Parliament adopted by 469 votes to 126, with 50 abstentions, a legislative resolution on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulations (EC) No 178/2002, (EC) No 401/2009, (EU) 2017/745 and (EU) No 2019/1021 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the re-attribution of scientific and technical tasks and improving cooperation among Union agencies in the area of chemicals.

Parliament adopted its position at first reading by amending the proposal as follows.

Divergent scientific opinions

This Regulation aims to address possible discrepancies between scientific opinions delivered by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and those delivered by other bodies, taking into account the objective of ensuring a high level of protection of the environment and human health, including for vulnerable groups.

The Authority will take the necessary and appropriate measures to ensure the monitoring and rapid identification of potential sources of divergence between its scientific opinions and the scientific opinions of other bodies carrying out a similar mission.

The Authority and the other body will cooperate to resolve any divergence, taking into account the objective of ensuring a high level of protection of health and the environment. If the Authority and the other body are unable to resolve the divergence, they will prepare a joint report. The report will clearly outline the contentious scientific issues, identify any relevant uncertainties in the data and give the underlying reasons for the divergence of opinions, including reasons related to methodological differences. The report will be made publicly available.

Cooperation

The European Environment Agency will actively seek cooperation from the Commission, other Union bodies and programmes, including the Joint Research Centre, the Statistical Office of the European Union (Eurostat), the European Chemicals Agency, the European Food Safety Authority, the European Medicines Agency and Union’s environmental research and development programmes.

Cooperation with the European Chemicals Agency, the European Food Safety Authority and the European Medicines Agency will relate to the exchange of data and information on chemical substances.

European Chemicals Agency Resources

The proposed regulation expands the tasks, increases the workload, and extends the remit of the European Chemicals Agency's scientific committees, including the Committee for Socio-Economic Analysis. In order to provide adequate expertise and support, thorough scientific assessments, and appropriate and stable resources, the amended text emphasises the need to ensure the capacity and governance of the scientific committees.

Review

Taking due account of any regulatory developments concerning the status of resources and governance of the Scientific Committees of the European Chemicals Agency, the Commission will monitor the situation regarding the tasks, workload and remit of the Scientific Committees and, if appropriate, submit a legislative proposal to amend this Regulation accordingly.

The concentration limit values specified in Annex IV will be reviewed by the Commission by 30 December 2027.