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Brussels is considering a possible delay to proposals aimed at restricting harmful chemicals and microplastics, as opposition to climate regulation from the industry and right-wing politicians intensifies.
Insiders state that the European Commission’s plans for the updated version of the Reach regulation, which relates to the sale and use of chemicals including those used in semiconductors, could be postponed until after the EU-wide elections scheduled for next June.
The release of the proposals has already been postponed from last year, and implementing these plans would be the first step in revising the existing rules which took seven years to negotiate and involves negotiations with member states and the European Parliament.
Maroš Šefčovič, the Slovak commissioner set to lead the EU’s Green Deal climate package following the departure of Frans Timmermans, could not confirm that the chemicals proposal would be presented on schedule in a hearing held on Tuesday.
“Reach is at a standstill,” said a senior EU diplomat. “There has been a huge growth in the administrative burden. Leaders feel there is too much red tape, too much regulation, and that is suffocating our competitiveness.”
There has been no decision made by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on whether to present the proposal on December 20. If delayed until after the EU elections, the proposal may be abandoned altogether as a new commission will take charge.
Changes to the rules, which aim to restrict or phase out hazardous substances, are highly political due to their potential impact on industry. Many of these substances are key to the green transition and the production of semiconductors. Polymers, found in various everyday products, such as clothing and plastic bags, present a particular challenge when it comes to regulation.
Pressure from the centre-right EPP group, as well as the French government’s support for stricter rules on hazardous chemicals, has put Von der Leyen under pressure to reduce the burden of environmental regulations on businesses.
The debate over this regulation is part of a broader backlash against the costs associated with the green transition and its impact on voters leading up to the EU elections.
In written answers to the parliament’s environment committee, Šefčovič stated that the commission is conducting careful analysis to reduce health hazards and environmental damage caused by chemical pollution, while also avoiding overly burdensome administrative requirements for European businesses.
The chemical industry supports an update of the Reach regulation, which is currently 849 pages long, as long as the proposed changes are targeted and efficient, according to industry body Cefic. However, concerns have been raised about the revision being driven by judgment rather than scientific evidence, as this could potentially result in delays in approving key substances. Some member states, led by Denmark, are pushing for more stringent Reach proposals.
The European Commission declined to comment.
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