EU Parliament Votes In Favour Of MEP Cyrus Engerer’s Proposal To Ban Plastic Waste Exportation To Third Countries
The European Parliament has just voted in favour of banning the transportation of plastic waste to third countries after Maltese PL MEP Cyrus Engerer’s negotiations.
For the past year, Engerer has been at the forefront of negotiating the revision of an EU Waste Shipment Regulation, where he proposed a complete ban on the export of plastic waste outside of the European Union.
His proposal was received with overwhelming support, with the EU Parliament voting 93% in favour of a proposal he was negotiating on behalf of the Socialists and Democrats group.
“Europe cannot continue to export its waste challenges to third countries with devastating consequences on their climate, environment, and human health,” Engerer said in a statement.
“It is time for us to own up to our responsibility in this sector and start treating plastic as a valuable resource that will contribute to the full functioning of a European circular economy,” he appealed.
“Although there was resistance when I first made the proposal, I am satisfied that the majority of political groups are now in favour of banning plastic waste exports outside the EU. I now urge you all to support this with your vote,” Engerer told the plenary prior to the voting session.
Through the agreements reached during negotiations, any other waste exported outside the EU will only be received by waste facilities that meet the same standards applicable in the EU.
The European Parliament also agreed to facilitate the transport of waste between EU Member States by reducing red tape, which in turn also facilitates the reuse of waste.
The report negotiated will now go for negotiations with the European Council with a view to reaching a compromise agreement in the coming months.
Engerer promised to continue working to maintain the ambition agreed upon in this report and to ensure the best possible outcome from these negotiations.
“This is a revolutionary step because it will put an end to the effects, that our dumping practices have had on natural habitats, biodiversity, ecosystems, and social justice in developing countries,” he said.
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