Opinion Factsheet 

Safe and sustainable chemicals for a toxic-free environment in Europe's cities and regions

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Opinion Number: CDR 5137/2020
Rapporteur: STRUZIK Adam
Commission: ENVE
Status: Adopted
Date: 07/05/2021
 
Take a position on the new Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability Towards a Toxic-Free Environment.
Highlight the role of local and regional authorities and of multi-level governance.
Introduce specific proposals to improve implementation of the strategy, especially from the local and regional point of view, identifying challenges, barriers and opportunities.
Ensure consistency of the strategy with other policy areas of local and regional interest, including green recovery, in the framework of the European Green Deal.
Present proposals for future EU actions, including potential legislative proposals.
Propose specific actions for local and regional authorities.
Request adequate support and funding for local and regional communities.
THE EUROPEAN COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS

- strongly welcomes and supports the steps leading to the implementation of the chemicals strategy, as chemicals have dominated almost the entire product manufacturing market and play a fundamental role in everyday life;

- calls for recognition of the importance of multilevel governance in order to effectively link the goals and objectives of the chemicals strategy to the green recovery of the European economy;

- underlines that National Recovery and Resilience Plans represent an opportunity to use the potential of multilevel governance, including in implementing the chemicals strategy. These actions have to be backed by appropriate regulatory frameworks and resources by fully involving local and regional authorities in the definition and implementation of the plans and granting them direct access to EU funds;

- draws attention to a number of legal, financial and technical barriers faced by local and regional authorities in the handling of chemicals. A coherent, predictable and simplified legal framework will contribute to a uniform approach to the assessment and management of chemicals in all EU countries. This will limit the emergence of further legal gaps between the EU and other regions. In addition, grants and technical assistance will enable local and regional authorities to support investments related to the development, commercialisation, implementation and uptake of safe and sustainable substances, materials and products;

- it is necessary to review and strengthen the REACH and CLP regulations, and their interface with OSH (Occupational Safety and Health) legislation, as well as to simplify procedures; draws attention to the need for the European Commission to consult the national authorities responsible for implementing the REACH regulation and OSH legislation before introducing new legislation;

- supports the implementation of the concept of sustainability starting from the design stage of substances;

- recognises that human capital is an important area in the implementation of the chemicals strategy; upskilling and reskilling of workers is key to ensuring competitiveness.

Importance

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