News – EU Policy Outreach

New developments in the EU environmental policy regularly appear in the news. We select publications prioritizing chemicals and waste information and upload them to this website. News is updated periodically to keep readers well informed.

Turning Off the PFAS Tap: What Canada Is Doing—and How It Compares to the EU

Remediation and treatment alone cannot solve the PFAS crisis. The most effective and affordable solution remains to prevent pollution at its source
Progress in Chemicals Management Must Be Matched by Faster Action

Strong implementation must go hand in hand with timely regulatory action, greater transparency, and faster substitution
Fluoropolymer production will continue at the former 3M (Dyneon) facility in Bavaria

The plant, located in the Gendorf Chemical Park, was expected to close after 3M announced its exit from PFAS and fluoropolymer manufacturing. Instead, the business has now been sold to the Swiss company Capmont Group AG, allowing production to continue and preserving jobs. While the Bavarian government celebrates the sale as a success for regional…
Challenge for Europe’s circular economy transition

A truly sustainable circular economy must prioritise prevention and reuse over waste generation and incineration
PFAS in medicines – new study shows wide range of available alternatives

(15 May 2026) A new study from the German Environment Agency and the University of Freiburg assessed PFAS-free alternatives in medicines. They found that of over 111 applications of PFAS in medicines 97 have existing alternatives. PFAS are currently used as active ingredients in medicines such as certain antibiotics, antidepressants, cancer drugs, and asthma treatment.…
EU Commission sidelined on full carcinogens` ban in cosmetics

(13 May 2026) Parliament and Council experts agreed to keep the EU’s general ban on carcinogen, mutagen and reprotoxic substances (CMRs) in cosmetics at the first preparatory negotiating meeting. This follows Parliament’s vote on the Chemicals Omnibus, at the end of April. Thus, they rebut the Commission’s simplification proposal on the Cosmetics Regulation, one of the…
A step forward for global chemical transparency — but still far from systemic traceability

Substance data is not enough — we need lifecycle traceability
Germany’s “Chemie Agenda 2045”: A Step Back for Chemicals, Climate—and Health

The German government confirms no revision of the REACH Regulation—despite clear gaps on EDCs, mixture effects, and PFAS
Civil society calls on European Parliament to reject premature elimination of SCIP database

The SCIP database is currently the only EU-wide, legally mandated system providing structured information on hazardous substances in products
Chemical safety is an EU-responsibility

REACH is Europe’s cornerstone chemicals legislation. Yet harmful substances can remain in use for years
EU Cosmetics Under Scrutiny: PFAS & Endocrine Disruptors Back in the Spotlight

Amendments to the European Parliament’s draft report on the Commission’s chemicals omnibus will be debated on 25–26 February, with a key vote in a joint ENVI–IMCO meeting scheduled for 17 March. Two parliamentary groups — the Greens/European Free Alliance and the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats — have tabled amendments that would significantly strengthen…
Historic Civil Suit in France Over PFAS “Forever Chemicals

This lawsuit highlights growing public concern over PFAS pollution globally
MEPs disagree over Chemicals Omnibus impact on health protection

(29 January 2025) S&D, Renew, The Left and Greens warned that amendments proposed in the Tsiodras/Müller draft report of the Chemicals Omnibus, amending the cosmetics rules, would reduce protection of human health, while EPP and ECR said it would not. European Parliament Vice-President Martin Hojsík (Renew, Slovakia) commented on the timeline for banning substances classified…
Dismantling the SCIP database risks weakening protections for consumers and workers

No existing alternative to the SCIP database provides equivalent safeguards
PFAS-Safe Green Transition: Aligning Climate Ambition with Chemical Safety

The better pathway is to accelerate innovation and substitution, not entrench PFAS reliance.
Major PFAS Policy Updates: A Tale of Two Continents

Two notable developments are shaping the future of environmental regulation around PFAS—commonly known as “forever chemicals”: Why This Matters Why This Matters to ProfessionalsWhether you’re involved in sustainability, compliance, public health, product development, or policymaking—PFAS regulation is a rising concern that impacts product design, supply chains, and environmental responsibility. More information is available at: https://theconversation.com/australia-has-banned-3-forever-chemicals-but-europe-wants-to-ban-all-14-000-as-a-precaution-262802
EU PFAS Restriction Process Faces Delays and Controversy

The EU’s process to limit PFAS underwent significant changes in August 2025. On 20 August, ECHA released an updated restriction proposal from five national agencies, including eight new sectors—such as medical, military, and industrial uses—in its review, and introduced new exemptions, some of which are limited in time and others are permanent. Importantly, PFAS manufacturing…
Mayors Seek Support as PFAS Crisis Hits Ardennes and Meuse

In Villy (Ardennes), the mayor is reimbursing residents for bottled water amid a PFAS tap water ban
Executives sentenced to jail in Italy over PFAS pollution

(26 June 2026) An Italian court convicted, in a first-instance judgement, 11 former chemical executives to prison terms for having caused widespread PFAS pollution that affected thousands of people in the Veneto region. For decades, the PFAS manufacturing plant Miteni discharged chemical waste into the waterways, contaminating the drinking water and soil over a vast area…
PFAS: 11 French municipalities prohibit drinking water supply for vulnerable people

(20 July 2025) The Saint-Louis area in France, with a population of 80,000 inhabitants, has prohibited vulnerable people, including children under 2 years old, breastfeeding mothers, pregnant women, and frail elderly people, from drinking tap water because of high PFAS pollution. PFAS concentrations in tap water in the area exceed the EU PFAS standards, which will…
Chemical Omnibus Draft Raises Consumer Safety Concerns

The European Commission draft of the Chemical Omnibus clashes with consumers’ expectations
New OECD Report Highlights Challenges in Replacing PFAS in Lubricants and Hydraulic Oils

The OECD has released a new report examining the use of PFAS in hydraulic oils and lubricants across critical sectors like transport, defense, energy, and manufacturing. PFAS are valued for their unique performance under extreme conditions, particularly for corrosion inhibition in hydraulic systems. However, the report finds limited progress in substituting PFAS due to significant technical and…
Sign-on campaign: Preserving Scientific Integrity of PFAS Definition

The intent of the sign-on campaign is secure the OECD chemical definition of PFASs.
EEB Urges Bold Transformation Ahead of EU’s Chemical Action Plan Release

As the European Commission prepares to unveil its long-awaited Chemical Action Plan on 2 July, the European Environmental Bureau (EEB) is calling for a radical shift in the chemical industry to end decades of environmental and social harm. In a newly released briefing and 10 key messages, the EEB lays out a clear and compelling…
EU Parliament and Council reach a deal for a stronger chemical data platform

12 June 2025: Negotiators from the Parliament and Council agreed on an ambitious super data platform for chemicals to be hosted by ECHA, as part of the overall deal on the one substance one assessment package. The original Commission proposal will be strengthened by including additional data in the new platform, such as the safety data…
Scientists Urge EU to Strengthen Chemical Mixture Regulations

A group of leading scientists from across Europe has called on the European Commission to enhance regulatory measures against chemical mixtures in the upcoming revision of REACH, the EU’s main regulation for chemicals. In an open letter, the researchers emphasized that chemical mixtures pose significant risks to ecosystems, biodiversity, and human health, which are currently…
PFAS and Cancer: A Call for Urgent Action in Europe

PFAS are found in thousands of everyday items, including non-stick cookware, water-repellent clothing and food packaging.
Europe Must Not Trade Public Health for Regulatory Convenience

How can Europe claim to lead the fight against cancer while simultaneously opening the door to carcinogens in personal care products?
EU to ban EDCs, bisphenols and PFAS from Toys

(10 Apr. 2025) The EU Parliament and the EU Council agreed to extend the generic restriction for the most harmful chemicals in toys. The Toy Safety Regulation will now cover known and suspected endocrine-disrupting chemicals that are classified (EDCs categories 1 and 2), PFAS, and a group of ten bisphenols. There is a transition period…
New French Ban on PFAS in Consumer Products

By January 1, 2030, manufacture of textile containing PFAS will be prohibited in France
Final round of stakeholder consultation on the REACH revision

Several key aspects of the REACH revision have been agreed upon, including improvements in the registration and evaluation of chemicals
Evaluation of PFAS uses in new sectors

The European Commission proposed to allow continued use of PFAS in essential industrial applications
Revision of the EU Waste Framework Directive: New Rules for Textiles, but No Reduction Targets

The revision of the EU Waste Framework Directive introduces significant changes for the textile industry. For the first time, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) will be mandatory for textile companies and fashion brands. This means: ✅ Mandatory EPR systems in all member states: Companies will have to pay for the collection, sorting, and recycling of textiles,…
EU Clean Industrial Deal

On February 26, the European Commission introduced a comprehensive legislative package featuring a Clean Industrial Deal. While this package does not abandon the Green Deal, it compromises its holistic approach by using competitiveness as justification for making unacceptable concessions to polluters, according to the European Environmental Bureau (EEB). The tone of the EU Commission has…
The Clean Industrial Deal & Chemicals Industry Package

The Chemicals Industry Package is anticipated to be released in Q4 2025, concentrating on “simplifying” REACH and “clarifying” PFAS regulations.
New Reference Substance Package for SCIP Notifiers Reflects Latest Candidate List Updates

ECHA has released an updated reference substance package that includes the most recent hazardous chemicals added to the Candidate List. It advises companies to import this package into their IUCLID systems to create SCIP notifications for articles that contain the newly added substances. When using this updated package to validate the dossier in IUCLID*, users…
Protest against chemical industry lobbying

NGOs request a comprehensive ban on PFAS
PFAS Phase Out: A Prerequisite for a Water-Resilient Europe

To protect Europe’s water resources, we urge policymakers to enact a universal PFAS ban.
NGOs urge the EU Commission to include the plastics and polymer sector in ESPR Working Plan

The letter highlights the significant environmental impact of plastic and polymer production
270+ organisations demand strict chemical regulations from EU Commission

NGOs call on European Commission’s President Ursula von der Leyen to shun deregulation and prioritise the protection of people and nature
MEPs Raise Alarm on PFAS in Drinking Water

PFAS water pollution should be tackled at source and the polluter pays principle has to be applied.
Ministers Collaborate on Ambitious REACH Revision

Several Ministers have joined the Swedish Environment Minister in calling for an ambitious REACH revision
Toxic-free Europe now!

European NGOs urge the European Commission to phase out PFAS
EU Commission Proposes PFHxA Restriction Guide Amid Environmental Concerns

The European Commission has proposed a non-binding guide on PFHxA restriction
Widely used PFAS-pesticide about to lose EU approval

(4 and 5 December 2024) Flufenacet, a widely used active ingredient in pesticides, is about to lose its EU approval granted in 2003, if Member States agree to a draft decision by the European Commission. This follows concerns by Polish authorities who received an application for renewing the approval that will expire in June 2025.…
Head of ECHA says grouping can simplify REACH procedures

(4 December 2024) “Chemical grouping […] is a good way to simplify […]. By looking at groups [of chemicals], we can in a way address all the chemicals in one setting but also give the industry the certainty about the actions that are going to happen to a particular chemical”, said Dr. Sharon McGuinness, Executive-director…
The EEB Chemical Working Group Newsletter of October 2024

HEJSupport’s work on the Global Plastics Treaty and a new project on plastic waste in Eastern Europe, Caucasus and Central Asia is featured in the EEB Chemical Working Group Newsletter published in October 2024. This issue explores vital topics in EU policy and chemical regulations, including on PFAS. Significant policy changes following the EU elections,…
EU officials broke the law by delaying bans on dangerous chemicals

Each moment of inaction allows more toxins to seep into our daily lives
Only 29.5% of European surface waters achieve good chemical status

The decline of European surface water quality is largely due to the presence of toxic substances
Open letter – reaction to Draghi Report

HEJSupport joined a group of civil society organizations expressing concerns regarding the recently published Draghi report. The report aims to assist the European Commission in shaping a plan for sustainable prosperity and competitiveness, including the creation of a Clean Industrial Deal. A key takeaway from the Draghi report is that the chemicals sector, by far…