Strategic approach to pharmaceuticals in the environment
4.6.2020
Question for oral answer O-000041/2020
to the Commission
Rule 136
Cristian-Silviu Buşoi, Günther Sidl, Jan Huitema, Michèle Rivasi, Simona Baldassarre, Joanna Kopcińska, Kateřina Konečná
on behalf of the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety
On 11 March 2019, the Commission adopted a communication on a European Union Strategic Approach to Pharmaceuticals in the Environment (COM(2019)0128). As required by Article 8c of the Priority Substances Directive, this strategic approach should be followed, where appropriate, by proposals for measures to be taken at Union and/or Member State level to address the possible environmental impacts of pharmaceutical substances, with a view to reducing discharges, emissions and losses of such substances into the aquatic environment, taking into account public health needs and the cost-effectiveness of the measures proposed. To be effective and spread the efforts evenly, measures should not only include end-of-pipe controls (e.g. improved waste water treatment), but also address the original sources of emissions (e.g. production and use), and consider the terrestrial, as well as the aquatic, environment.
This Communication sets out six areas for action, and several specific actions relating to possible measures: to increase awareness and promote prudent use of pharmaceuticals; support the development of pharmaceuticals intrinsically less harmful for the environment and promote greener manufacturing; improve environmental risk assessment and its review; reduce wastage and improve the management of waste; expand environmental monitoring; and fill other knowledge gaps.
Given that there is sufficient evidence that swift action should be taken to reduce the risk from pharmaceuticals in the environment:
- 1.What legislative and non-legislative measures does the Commission intend to take in order to reduce the risk from pharmaceuticals in the environment?
- 2.What is the timeline for these measures?
Submitted: 04/06/2020
Lapses: 05/09/2020