The ‘cadmium war’: EU in the midst of a geopolitical arm-wrestle
As reported by euractiv, The level of cadmium in fertiliser production has triggered an intense debate in the EU. Analysts fear the bloc could end up entirely dependent on Russia, with dangerous effects for the EU and its farmers.
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The level of cadmium in fertiliser production has triggered an intense debate in the EU as analysts fear the bloc could end up entirely dependent on Russia, with dangerous effects for the EU and its farmers.
As part of the EU Circular Economy Package, the European Commission presented in March 2016 new rules on organic and waste-based fertilisers in the EU with an objective to boost the use of recycled materials in fertiliser production.
The EU executive also aims to introduce harmonised rules on fertiliser production, including limits on contaminants such as cadmium. However, the final limit of cadmium has sparked an intense debate in trilogue meetings between the Commission, Parliament and member states.
The Commission proposed a limit of 60mg/kg for three years after the rules take effect, then down to 40mg/kg after nine years and 20mg/kg after 12 years.
The European Parliament has suggested a final limit of 20mg/kg after 12 years while the EU Council’s initial position is a limit of 60mg/kg after 8 years.
But behind these numbers, a wider geopolitical game is taking place.
Critics say the 20mg limit could increase dependence on Russian imports, which would negatively affect EU farmers and put the EU’s geopolitical position to the test.
Further Information
complete press report