In a staunch critique of the European Commission’s recent proposal to extend the EU approval for glyphosate, the active ingredient in Bayer AG’s Roundup weed killer, for another decade, The Left Group in the European Parliament expresses strong opposition, asserting that the proposal is “wholly unacceptable.”

Left MEP Anja Hazekamp (Partij voor de Dieren, The Netherlands), vice chair of the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety: “Exposing humans, animals and the environment to the risks of this highly toxic pesticide for another 10 years is unacceptable. It would also be completely contrary to the ambition to make our food system healthier and environmentally friendly and to significantly reduce pesticide use. We will object to this toxic proposal and call on all EU Member States to do the same and to advocate for a rapid exit from glyphosate.”

Glyphosate, known for its dangerous impact on biodiversity, including harm to aquatic life and bees, poses a significant threat to groundwater, further exacerbating concerns over drinking water quality. This proposal directly conflicts with the EU’s aspiration to reduce chemical pesticide usage by 50% by 2030, as outlined in the EU’s Farm to Fork strategy. “Glyphosate is currently the most commonly used pesticide, and extending its license poses a direct threat to our health and to achieving ambitious conservation goals,” MEP Hazekamp says. Adding to the mounting concerns, scientific studies link glyphosate to serious health issues, including Parkinson’s disease and adverse impacts on the overall microbiome. These microorganisms play a crucial role in various biological processes and can influence the health, development, and functioning of their host organism.