The plenary session of the European Parliament on Thursday called on the European Commission to propose measures to strengthen the control of substances that damage the ozone layer given their impact on human health and the environment.
These substances include halons (used in fire extinguishers), methyl bromide (for pest control) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (used in refrigerators and air conditioning systems).
MEPs adopted their report on the review of the regulation on ozone-depleting substances with 553 votes in favor, 10 against and 20 abstentions, and thus adopted their position for negotiations with EU governments on measures to reduce emissions of these substances.
In particular, they call for an increase in the efficiency of existing measures and stricter control of the production of chemicals in laboratories and of substances for fire protection in special applications, such as military equipment and aircraft.
The report also strengthens the powers of customs and market surveillance authorities to prevent illegal trade in ozone-depleting substances and aligns the new rules with those of environmental protection through criminal law.
Source: (EUROPA PRESS)
