EUROPEAN UNION’S STRATEGIC APPROACH TO PHARMACEUTICALS IN THE ENVIRONMENT ADOPTED

 

Strategic approach to pharmaceuticals in the environment is adopted

On 11 March 2019, the Commission adopted a strategic approach to pharmaceuticals in the environment as required by Article 8c of Directive 2008/105/EC as amended by Directive 2013/39/EU.

As it is stated in the related Press Release the strategic appoach “identifies six action areas concerning all stages of the pharmaceutical life cycle, where improvements can be made. The text addresses pharmaceuticals for human as well as for veterinary use. The areas cover all stages of the lifecycle of pharmaceuticals, from design and production to disposal and waste management, in line with the principles of the staff working document of the Commission on Sustainable Products in a Circular Economy. The six areas identified include actions to raise awareness and promote prudent use, improve training and risk assessment, gather monitoring data, incentivise “green design”, reduce emissions from manufacturing, reduce waste and improve wastewater treatment. ”

More information, including on the next steps, is available in the Press Release and Memo published when the initiative was adopted.