### 35. recalls that the fee income received by the echa will be substantially reduced; calls for a sustainable funding mechanism , in order to ensure its proper long-term functioning and to remove the inefficiencies due to the separation of budget lines , providing the resources needed to meet the increasing demands on its current work and sufficient additional resources for any additional work required; ### 35. highlights the need for union chemicals legislation to provide incentives for sustainable chemistry , materials (including plastics) and technologies , including non-chemical alternatives , that are safe , sustainable , and reduces risk along the value chain;


### 35. recalls that the fee income received by the echa will be substantially reduced; calls for a sustainable funding mechanism , in order to ensure its proper long-term functioning and to remove the inefficiencies due to the separation of budget lines , providing the resources needed to meet the increasing demands on its current work and sufficient additional resources for any additional work required; ### 35. recalls that the fee income received by the echa will be substantially reduced; calls for a sustainable funding mechanism , in order to ensure its proper long-term functioning and to remove any inefficiencies and in particular those due to the separation of budget lines , providing the resources needed to meet the increasing demands on its current work and sufficient additional resources for any additional work required;


### 2. calls on the commission to come up with a chemicals strategy for sustainability that effectively ensures a high level of protection of human health and the environment , minimising exposure to hazardous chemicals; ### 2. calls on the commission to come up with a chemicals strategy for sustainability that effectively ensures a high level of protection of human health and the environment , minimising the risk from hazardous chemicals; stresses that the sustainability strategy should also take into account the important contribution made by chemicals to achieving the objectives of the green deal and therefore calls for support for the industry to help it make progress with crucial innovations;


### 2. calls on the commission to come up with a chemicals strategy for sustainability that effectively ensures a high level of protection of human health and the environment , minimising exposure to hazardous chemicals; ### 2. calls on the commission to come up with a chemicals strategy for sustainability that effectively ensures a high level of protection of human health and the environment , minimising exposure to hazardous chemicals , while strengthening the competitiveness and innovation power of the union`s economy and ensuring the security of supply within the eu;


### 3. stresses that the new strategy should be coherent with , and complementary to , the other policy objectives of the green deal; ### 3. stresses that the new strategy should be coherent with , and complementary to , the other policy objectives of the green deal , including the circular economy action plan , and of the new industrial strategy for europe , whereas the new strategy should outline the sectors and ways in which the chemicals industry can contribute to these objectives , such as in clean energy , raw materials , sustainable transport , digitalisation and reduced consumption;


### 4. considers that the chemicals strategy should achieve coherence and synergies between chemicals legislation (e.g. reach , clp , pops , mercury , plant protection products , biocides) and related union legislation , including specific product legislation (e.g. toys , cosmetics , food contact materials , construction products , packaging) , general product legislation (e.g. eco-design , eco-label) , legislation on environmental compartments (e.g. water and air) , as well as legislation on industrial installations (e.g. ied , seveso iii directive); ### 4. considers that the chemicals strategy should achieve coherence and synergies between chemicals legislation (e.g. reach , clp , pops , mercury , plant protection products , biocides) and related union legislation , including specific product legislation (e.g. toys , cosmetics , food contact materials , construction products , packaging) , occupational safety and health legislation , general product legislation (e.g. eco-design , eco-label) , legislation on environmental compartments (e.g. water and air) , as well as legislation on industrial installations (e.g. ied , seveso iii directive) and waste (e.g. rohs); highlights that special attention should be paid to reducing overlaps between legal frameworks , and between tasks allocated to echa , efsa and ema;


### 4. considers that the chemicals strategy should achieve coherence and synergies between chemicals legislation (e.g. reach , clp , pops , mercury , plant protection products , biocides) and related union legislation , including specific product legislation (e.g. toys , cosmetics , food contact materials , construction products , packaging) , general product legislation (e.g. eco-design , eco-label) , legislation on environmental compartments (e.g. water and air) , as well as legislation on industrial installations (e.g. ied , seveso iii directive); ### 4. considers that the chemicals strategy should achieve coherence and synergies between chemicals legislation (e.g. reach , clp , pops , mercury , plant protection products , biocides) and related union legislation , including specific product legislation (e.g. toys , cosmetics , food contact materials , construction products , packaging) , general product legislation (e.g. eco-design , eco-label) , legislation on environmental compartments (e.g. water and air) , as well as legislation on industrial installations (e.g. ied , seveso iii directive); whilst upholding the principle of testing on animals only as a last resort;


### 4. considers that the chemicals strategy should achieve coherence and synergies between chemicals legislation (e.g. reach , clp , pops , mercury , plant protection products , biocides) and related union legislation , including specific product legislation (e.g. toys , cosmetics , food contact materials , construction products , packaging) , general product legislation (e.g. eco-design , eco-label) , legislation on environmental compartments (e.g. water and air) , as well as legislation on industrial installations (e.g. ied , seveso iii directive); ### 4. considers that the chemicals strategy should achieve coherence and synergies between chemicals legislation (e.g. reach , clp , pops , mercury , plant protection products , biocides) and related union legislation , including specific product legislation (e.g. toys , cosmetics , food contact materials , construction products , packaging) , general product legislation (e.g. eco-design , eco-label) , legislation on environmental compartments (e.g. water and air) , waste policies , as well as legislation on industrial installations (e.g. ied , seveso iii directive);


### 5. stresses that the chemicals strategy has to be aligned with the hierarchy of actions in risk management that prioritises exposure prevention , elimination and substitution over control measures; ### 5. stresses that the chemicals strategy has to be aligned with the hierarchy of actions in risk management that prioritises exposure prevention , elimination of risks to workers , end users , and the environment and substitution over control measures , considering all aspects of sustainability;


### 5. stresses that the chemicals strategy has to be aligned with the hierarchy of actions in risk management that prioritises exposure prevention , elimination and substitution over control measures; ### 5. stresses that the chemicals strategy has to be aligned with the hierarchy of actions in risk management that prioritises exposure prevention , elimination of risks and substitution over control measures , taking into account all aspects of sustainability;


### 6. stresses that the strategy should fully reflect the precautionary principle and the polluter pays principle; ### 6. stresses that the strategy should fully reflect the precautionary principle and the polluter pays principle , while ensuring the innovation principle , and the need to use the latest scientific advances in regulatory decision-making;


### 7. highlights that the new chemicals strategy should be based upon robust and up-to-date scientific evidence and that subsequent regulatory action should be accompanied by impact assessments , taking into account the input of relevant stakeholders; ### 7. highlights that the new chemicals strategy should be based upon robust and up-to-date scientific evidence and that subsequent regulatory action should be accompanied by impact assessments , taking into account the input of relevant stakeholders , and the ultimate aim of directive 2010/63 to replace all animal testing with in vitro and in silico methods;


### 7. highlights that the new chemicals strategy should be based upon robust and up-to-date scientific evidence and that subsequent regulatory action should be accompanied by impact assessments , taking into account the input of relevant stakeholders; ### 7. highlights that the new chemicals strategy should be based upon robust and up-to-date scientific evidence and that subsequent regulatory action should be accompanied by impact assessments , taking into account the input of relevant stakeholders , to increase clarity about priorities;


### 8. reaffirms that all regulatory gaps in eu chemicals legislation should be closed and that the new chemicals strategy should effectively contribute to the rapid substitution of substances of very high concern and other hazardous chemicals , including endocrine disruptors , very persistent chemicals , neurotoxicants and immuno-toxicants , as well as tackling the combination effects of chemicals , nano-forms of substances and exposure to hazardous chemicals from products; reiterates that any ban of these chemicals should take all aspects of sustainability into account; ### 8. reaffirms that all regulatory gaps and weaknesses in eu chemicals legislation should be closed and that the new chemicals strategy should effectively contribute to the effectiveness of control measures , alongside the rapid substitution of substances of very high concern and other hazardous chemicals of equivalent level of concern to the extent possible , including endocrine disruptors , very persistent chemicals , neurotoxicants and immuno-toxicants , as well as tackling the combination effects of chemicals , nano-forms of substances and exposure to hazardous chemicals from products; reiterates that any ban of these chemicals should take all aspects of sustainability into account , such as climate , circular economy and resource security aspects;


### 8. reaffirms that all regulatory gaps in eu chemicals legislation should be closed and that the new chemicals strategy should effectively contribute to the rapid substitution of substances of very high concern and other hazardous chemicals , including endocrine disruptors , very persistent chemicals , neurotoxicants and immuno-toxicants , as well as tackling the combination effects of chemicals , nano-forms of substances and exposure to hazardous chemicals from products; reiterates that any ban of these chemicals should take all aspects of sustainability into account; ### 8. reaffirms that all regulatory weaknesses in eu chemicals legislation should be addressed and that the new chemicals strategy should effectively contribute to the rapid substitution of substances of very high concern and other hazardous chemicals that pose a non-negligible risk to workers , end users , or the environment , including endocrine disruptors , very persistent chemicals , neurotoxicants and immuno-toxicants , as well as tackling the combination effects of chemicals , nano-forms of substances and exposure to hazardous chemicals from products; reiterates that any ban of these chemicals should take all aspects of sustainability into account;


### 8. reaffirms that all regulatory gaps in eu chemicals legislation should be closed and that the new chemicals strategy should effectively contribute to the rapid substitution of substances of very high concern and other hazardous chemicals , including endocrine disruptors , very persistent chemicals , neurotoxicants and immuno-toxicants , as well as tackling the combination effects of chemicals , nano-forms of substances and exposure to hazardous chemicals from products; reiterates that any ban of these chemicals should take all aspects of sustainability into account; ### 8. reaffirms that all regulatory gaps in eu chemicals legislation should be closed and that the new chemicals strategy should effectively contribute to the rapid substitution of substances of very high concern and other selected hazardous chemicals , including endocrine disruptors , certain very persistent chemicals , neurotoxicants and immuno-toxicants , as well as tackling the combination effects of chemicals , nano-forms of substances and exposure to hazardous chemicals from mixtures; reiterates that any ban of these chemicals should take all aspects of sustainability into account;


### 9. underlines the need for a clear commitment to securing funds for improved research into safer alternatives and to promoting substitution of harmful chemicals , non-toxic production and sustainable innovation; ### 9. underlines the need for a clear commitment to securing funds for improved research into safer and sustainable alternatives and to promoting substitution , where substitution is technologically feasible , appropriate and in line with other policy goals of harmful chemicals , safe production and sustainable innovation;


### 9. underlines the need for a clear commitment to securing funds for improved research into safer alternatives and to promoting substitution of harmful chemicals , non-toxic production and sustainable innovation; ### 9. underlines the need for a clear commitment to securing funds for improved research into safer alternatives and to promoting substitution of harmful chemicals , non-toxic production and sustainable innovation; stresses that chemical industry should largely participate in such a funding;


### 9. underlines the need for a clear commitment to securing funds for improved research into safer alternatives and to promoting substitution of harmful chemicals , non-toxic production and sustainable innovation; ### 9. underlines the need for a clear commitment to securing funds for improved research into safer alternatives and to promoting substitution of the unsafe use of harmful chemicals and sustainable innovation;


### 10. reiterates the need to minimise animal testing with the help of new approach methodologies and calls for increased efforts and funds to this end with aim to establish non-animal based safety assessments in all relevant legislation , in addition to cosmetics; regrets that there are still barriers to the use and acceptance of alternative (non-animal) test methods for regulatory purposes , partially linked to gaps in the available test guidelines4 , requests action to remedy this situation; ### 10. reiterates the need to phase-out animal testing through expanded use of new approach methodologies , including in vitro and in silico methods , and calls for increased efforts and funds to this end with aim to establish non-animal based safety assessments in all relevant legislation , as is in place for cosmetics; regrets that there are still barriers to the use and acceptance of non-animal (alternative) test methods for regulatory purposes , partially linked to factors such as gaps in the available test guidelines and insufficient funding for the research and development of non-animal methods , requests action to remedy this situation; calls on the commission ensure that the validation and introduction of non-animal test methods is accelerated considerably;


### 10. reiterates the need to minimise animal testing with the help of new approach methodologies and calls for increased efforts and funds to this end with aim to establish non-animal based safety assessments in all relevant legislation , in addition to cosmetics; regrets that there are still barriers to the use and acceptance of alternative (non-animal) test methods for regulatory purposes , partially linked to gaps in the available test guidelines4 , requests action to remedy this situation; ### 10. reiterates the need to minimise animal testing with the help of new approach methodologies and intelligent testing strategies and calls for increased efforts and funds to this end with aim to establish non-animal based safety assessments in all relevant legislation , in addition to cosmetics; regrets that there are still barriers to the use and acceptance of alternative (non-animal) test methods for regulatory purposes , partially linked to gaps in the available test guidelines4 , requests action to remedy this situation; invites the commission to explore the potential of digital technologies in order to accelerate the development of predictive toxicology tools to support innovation;


### 11. considers that the strategy should extend the use of generic risk assessment across legislation; ### 11. considers that the strategy should extend the use of generic risk assessment across legislation while promoting sustainable substitution;


### 11. considers that the strategy should extend the use of generic risk assessment across legislation; ### 11. considers that the strategy should ensure a balance between the use of generic and specific risk assessment across legislation;


### 11. considers that the strategy should extend the use of generic risk assessment across legislation; ### 11. considers that the strategy should extend the use of risk-based assessment approaches across legislation;


### 12. calls on the commission to take all necessary action to ensure that combination effects are fully addressed across all relevant legislation , including the development of new test methods and the revision of data requirements , where necessary; ### 12. calls on the commission to take all necessary action to ensure that combination effects are fully and consistently addressed across all relevant legislation , including by reducing exposure and , where necessary , the development of new test methods and the revision of data requirements , and in accordance with the methodologies that are jointly agreed across eu agencies and in consultation with stakeholders;


### 12. calls on the commission to take all necessary action to ensure that combination effects are fully addressed across all relevant legislation , including the development of new test methods and the revision of data requirements , where necessary; ### 12. calls on the commission to take all necessary action to ensure that combination effects are fully and consistently addressed across all relevant legislation , including the development of new test methods and the revision of data requirements , where necessary and based on methodologies mutually developed between and consistently employed across eu agencies;


### 12. calls on the commission to take all necessary action to ensure that combination effects are fully addressed across all relevant legislation , including the development of new test methods and the revision of data requirements , where necessary; ### 12. calls on the commission to take all necessary action to ensure that that the effects of multiple chemicals in combination , so called “cocktail effects” , are fully addressed across all relevant legislation , including the development of new high-quality , humane and high-throughput test methods and the revision of data requirements , where necessary;


### 12. calls on the commission to take all necessary action to ensure that combination effects are fully addressed across all relevant legislation , including the development of new test methods and the revision of data requirements , where necessary; ### 12. calls on the commission to take all necessary action to ensure that combination effects of chemicals are fully addressed across all relevant legislation , including the development of new test methods and the revision of data requirements , where necessary;


### 13. welcomes the ‘one substance – one hazard assessment’ principle in order to better use the resources of the union’s agencies and scientific bodies , avoid duplication of efforts , reduce the risk of diverging outcomes of assessments , speed up and bring consistency to chemicals regulation , and to ensure enhanced health and environment protection and a level playing field for industry; ### 13. welcomes the ‘one substance – one hazard assessment’ principle in order to better use the resources of the union’s agencies and scientific bodies , avoid duplication of efforts , reduce the risk of diverging outcomes of assessments , speed up and bring consistency to chemicals regulation , and to ensure enhanced health and environment protection and a level playing field for industry , while taking into account the special situation of smes;


### 13. welcomes the ‘one substance – one hazard assessment’ principle in order to better use the resources of the union’s agencies and scientific bodies , avoid duplication of efforts , reduce the risk of diverging outcomes of assessments , speed up and bring consistency to chemicals regulation , and to ensure enhanced health and environment protection and a level playing field for industry; ### 13. welcomes the better use the resources of the union’s agencies and scientific bodies , avoid duplication of efforts , reduce the risk of diverging outcomes of assessments , speed up and bring consistency to chemicals regulation , and to ensure enhanced health and environment protection and a level playing field for industry;


### 13. welcomes the ‘one substance – one hazard assessment’ principle in order to better use the resources of the union’s agencies and scientific bodies , avoid duplication of efforts , reduce the risk of diverging outcomes of assessments , speed up and bring consistency to chemicals regulation , and to ensure enhanced health and environment protection and a level playing field for industry; ### 13. welcomes the ‘one substance – one assessment’ principle in order to better use the resources of the union’s agencies and scientific bodies , avoid duplication of efforts , reduce the risk of diverging outcomes of assessments , speed up and bring consistency to chemicals regulation , and to ensure enhanced health and environment protection and a level playing field for industry;


### 15. considers that regulatory measures are needed to protect vulnerable groups; calls on the commission to adopt a cross-cutting definition of vulnerable groups , to adapt risk assessments and to align the protection of vulnerable groups throughout all chemical legislation; ### 15. considers that regulatory measures are needed to protect vulnerable groups; calls on the commission to adopt a cross-cutting definition of vulnerable groups , to adapt risk assessments , to ensure that relevant methodologies are mutually agreed upon and consistently employed across eu agencies and to align the protection of vulnerable groups throughout all chemical legislation;


### 15. considers that regulatory measures are needed to protect vulnerable groups; calls on the commission to adopt a cross-cutting definition of vulnerable groups , to adapt risk assessments and to align the protection of vulnerable groups throughout all chemical legislation; ### 15. considers that regulatory measures are needed to protect vulnerable groups; calls on the commission to adopt a cross-cutting definition of vulnerable groups , to adapt risk assessments , to ensure methodologies are common across eu agencies and to align the protection of vulnerable groups throughout all chemical legislation;


### 15. considers that regulatory measures are needed to protect vulnerable groups; calls on the commission to adopt a cross-cutting definition of vulnerable groups , to adapt risk assessments and to align the protection of vulnerable groups throughout all chemical legislation; ### 15. considers that regulatory measures are needed to protect vulnerable groups such as elderly people or children; calls on the commission to adopt a cross-cutting definition of vulnerable groups , to adapt risk assessments and to align the protection of vulnerable groups throughout all chemical legislation;


### 16. calls for the strategy to improve the implementation of reach , with regard to registration , evaluation and authorisation; reiterates the principle of ‘no data , no market’; calls for ensuring the mandatory updating of registration dossiers , based on latest available science; calls for transparency with regard to the compliance with registration obligations , and for giving explicit power to echa to withdraw registration numbers in case of continued non-compliance; ### 16. calls for the strategy to improve the implementation of reach , with regard to registration , evaluation and authorisation and provide clarity with its interface between the osh and clp frameworks; reiterates the principle of ‘no data , no market’; calls for ensuring the mandatory updating of registration dossiers , based on latest available science; calls for transparency with regard to the compliance with registration obligations , and for giving explicit power to echa to withdraw registration numbers in case of continued non-compliance with any requirement; highlights the importance of programmes between echa and the industry in a voluntary basis in order to improve registration dossiers and resolve outstanding methodological issues; calls the commission to promote a framework encouraging such programmes;


### 17. considers that the evaluation of substances needs both to improve and speed-up; ### 17. considers that the evaluation of substances needs both to improve and speed-up; stresses the added value of a grouping approach for chemicals with similar characteristics in this regard;


### 17. considers that the evaluation of substances needs both to improve and speed-up; ### 17. considers that the evaluation of substances needs both to improve and speed-up , through the generation of better quality , meaningful non-animal test data;


### 17. considers that the evaluation of substances needs both to improve and speed-up; ### 17. considers that the evaluation and risk management of substances needs both to improve and speed-up;


### 18. asks the commission and the member states to refrain from authorising substances and approving products with incomplete data sets about health and environment hazards; ### 18. stresses that all registration dossiers should be compliant with the chemicals legislation; asks the commission and the member states to refrain from authorising substances and approving products with incomplete data sets about health and environment hazards , or if applicant is not able to demonstrate non-existence of suitable alternatives , where this is prerequisite for authorisation18a;


### 18. asks the commission and the member states to refrain from authorising substances and approving products with incomplete data sets about health and environment hazards; ### 18. asks the commission and the member states not to authorise substances and approve products with incomplete data sets about health and environment hazards;


### 20. stresses that the legislation on food contact materials should be revised; ### 20. stresses that the legislation on food contact materials should be revised to achieve a coherent , protective approach to the safety of materials and products that come into contact with food; insists in particular on the need for comprehensive , harmonised regulation of all food contact materials based on the precautionary principle in combination with the principle of ‘no data , no market’ , effective enforcement and improved information to consumers;


### 20. stresses that the legislation on food contact materials should be revised; ### 20. stresses that the legislation on food contact materials should be revised in order to further decrease the risk of release of potentially harmful constituents into food;


### 20. stresses that the legislation on food contact materials should be revised; ### 20. stresses that the legislation on food contact materials should be revised and better aligned with the clp regulation and reach;


### 21. is worried by the many inconsistencies in the union legislation concerning pbts/vpvbs as identified in the fitness check; calls on the commission to come up with a clear action plan and legislative proposals on how to address all persistent , bioaccumulative and toxic , as well as very persistent and very bioaccumulative , and persistent and mobile chemicals , across all relevant legislation and environmental media , including the action plan to phase-out all non-essential use of perfluoroalkylated substances (pfas) as part of the chemicals strategy for sustainability; ### 21. is worried by the many inconsistencies in the union legislation concerning pbts/vpvbs as identified in the fitness check; calls on the commission to come up with a clear action plan and , if necessary , legislative proposals on how to address all persistent , bioaccumulative and toxic , as well as very persistent and very bioaccumulative , and persistent and mobile substances , based on scientific knowledge and within the established frameworks , while considering all relevant legislation and environmental media , including the action plan to phase-out all non-essential use of perfluoroalkylated substances (pfas) as part of the chemicals strategy for sustainability;


### 21. is worried by the many inconsistencies in the union legislation concerning pbts/vpvbs as identified in the fitness check; calls on the commission to come up with a clear action plan and legislative proposals on how to address all persistent , bioaccumulative and toxic , as well as very persistent and very bioaccumulative , and persistent and mobile chemicals , across all relevant legislation and environmental media , including the action plan to phase-out all non-essential use of perfluoroalkylated substances (pfas) as part of the chemicals strategy for sustainability; ### 21. is worried by the many inconsistencies in the union legislation concerning pbts/vpvbs as identified in the fitness check; calls on the commission to come up with a clear action plan and , if necessary , science-based legislative proposals within the existing regulatory environment on how to address all persistent , bioaccumulative and toxic , as well as very persistent and very bioaccumulative , and persistent and mobile chemicals , across all relevant legislation and environmental media , including the action plan to phase-out all non-essential use of perfluoroalkylated substances (pfas) as part of the chemicals strategy for sustainability;


### 23. reaffirms its call of 14 march 2013 that edcs should be regarded as non-threshold substances; ### deleted


### 23. reaffirms its call of 14 march 2013 that edcs should be regarded as non-threshold substances; ### 23. reaffirms its call of 14 march 2013 that edcs should be regarded as non-threshold substances , unless a threshold can be scientifically established;


### 24. calls on the commission to introduce new hazard classes in the clp regulation (e.g. for edcs); ### 24. calls on the commission to introduce new hazard classes in the clp regulation; demands the direct inclusion of endocrine disruptors as a separate classification in the clp regulation , in line with the classification of cmr substances and based on a horizontal definition of edcs;


### 24. calls on the commission to introduce new hazard classes in the clp regulation (e.g. for edcs); ### 24. calls on the commission to proceed with the implementation of the fitness check recommendations on endocrine disruptors; in particular , the commission should consider introducing criteria under reach in combination with new hazard classes in the clp regulation (e.g. for edcs);


### 24. calls on the commission to introduce new hazard classes in the clp regulation (e.g. for edcs); ### 24. calls on the commission to make efforts at global level to introduce new hazard classes in the globally harmonised system and subsequently in the clp regulation (e.g. for edcs);


### 25. stresses that the chemicals strategy for sustainability should improve the assessment of complex substances (e.g. substances of unknown or variable composition (uvcbs)) and registration of polymers , notably by supporting echa to develop further the solutions already put in place (e.g. substance identity profile); calls for the development of specific methods to assess this type of substances which allow for a solid scientific based approach and are practically applicable; ### 25. stresses that the chemicals strategy for sustainability should improve the assessment of complex substances (e.g. substances of unknown or variable composition (uvcbs)) and registration of polymers , notably by supporting echa to develop further the solutions already put in place (e.g. substance identity profile); calls for the development of specific methods to assess this type of substances , with a strong focus on humane , non-animal test methods , which allow for a solid scientific based approach and are practically applicable;


### 25. stresses that the chemicals strategy for sustainability should improve the assessment of complex substances (e.g. substances of unknown or variable composition (uvcbs)) and registration of polymers , notably by supporting echa to develop further the solutions already put in place (e.g. substance identity profile); calls for the development of specific methods to assess this type of substances which allow for a solid scientific based approach and are practically applicable; ### 25. stresses that the chemicals strategy for sustainability should introduce the registration of polymers and improve the assessment of complex substances (e.g. substances of unknown or variable composition (uvcbs)) and registration of polymers , notably by supporting echa to develop further the solutions already put in place (e.g. substance identity profile); calls for the development of specific methods to assess this type of substances which allow for a solid scientific based approach and are practically applicable;


### 25. stresses that the chemicals strategy for sustainability should improve the assessment of complex substances (e.g. substances of unknown or variable composition (uvcbs)) and registration of polymers , notably by supporting echa to develop further the solutions already put in place (e.g. substance identity profile); calls for the development of specific methods to assess this type of substances which allow for a solid scientific based approach and are practically applicable; ### 25. stresses that the chemicals strategy for sustainability should improve the assessment of complex substances (e.g. substances of unknown or variable composition (uvcbs)) and registration of certain polymers , notably by supporting echa to develop further the solutions already put in place (e.g. substance identity profile); calls for the development of specific methods to assess this type of substances which allow for a solid scientific based approach and are practically applicable;


### 26. calls for full implementation of the plant protection products (ppp) legislation; calls on the commission to publish the results of the refit exercise of the ppp legislation as soon as possible; calls on the commission to accelerate europe’s transition towards low-risk pesticides and reduce pesticide dependency to meet the objectives of the directive on sustainable use of pesticides and support farmers in doing so; ### 26. calls for full implementation of the plant protection products (ppp) legislation; calls on the commission to publish the results of the refit exercise of the ppp legislation as soon as possible; calls on the commission to accelerate europe’s transition towards low-risk pesticides and reduce pesticide dependency to meet the objectives of the directive on sustainable use of pesticides and support farmers in doing so; considers that to ensure the protection of public health and the level playing field for european farmers , banned active substances should not enter the eu market through imported products;


### 26. calls for full implementation of the plant protection products (ppp) legislation; calls on the commission to publish the results of the refit exercise of the ppp legislation as soon as possible; calls on the commission to accelerate europe’s transition towards low-risk pesticides and reduce pesticide dependency to meet the objectives of the directive on sustainable use of pesticides and support farmers in doing so; ### 26. calls for full implementation of the plant protection products (ppp) legislation; calls on the commission to publish the results of the refit exercise of the ppp legislation as soon as possible; calls on the commission to accelerate europe’s transition towards lower-risk pesticides and reduce pesticide dependency to meet the objectives of the directive on sustainable use of pesticides and support farmers in doing so;


### 28. underlines the importance of developing non-toxic material cycles; reaffirms that , in accordance with the waste hierarchy , prevention takes priority over recycling and that , accordingly , recycling should not justify the perpetuation of the use of hazardous legacy substances; ### 28. underlines the importance of developing non-toxic material cycles; reaffirms that , in accordance with the waste hierarchy , in accordance with its definition in the waste framework directive , prevention takes priority over recycling and that , recycling should contribute towards the safe management of hazardous legacy substances; considers that where substitution is technically not feasible , specific containment measures should be adopted to protect workers’ health and environment while able to achieve the goals of the european green deal;


### 28. underlines the importance of developing non-toxic material cycles; reaffirms that , in accordance with the waste hierarchy , prevention takes priority over recycling and that , accordingly , recycling should not justify the perpetuation of the use of hazardous legacy substances; ### 28. underlines the importance of developing non-toxic material cycles; reaffirms that , in accordance with the waste hierarchy , prevention takes priority over recycling and that , accordingly , recycling should not justify the perpetuation of the use of hazardous legacy substances; therefore , notes that substances that are categorised as substances of very high concern according to the reach regulation should not be re-used in new products;


### 28. underlines the importance of developing non-toxic material cycles; reaffirms that , in accordance with the waste hierarchy , prevention takes priority over recycling and that , accordingly , recycling should not justify the perpetuation of the use of hazardous legacy substances; ### 28. considers that the disclosure of all hazardous chemicals that might pose a risk to workers , end users or the environment in articles along the supply chain to consumers and waste managers is a prerequisite to achieve non-toxic material cycles; invites the commission to assist in this regard by helping to identify enabling technologies for communicating such information in a secure way;


### 28. underlines the importance of developing non-toxic material cycles; reaffirms that , in accordance with the waste hierarchy , prevention takes priority over recycling and that , accordingly , recycling should not justify the perpetuation of the use of hazardous legacy substances; ### 28. underlines the importance of developing non-toxic material cycles; reaffirms that , in accordance with the waste hierarchy , prevention takes priority over recycling and that , accordingly , recycling should not justify the perpetuation of the use of hazardous legacy substances unless this leads to lower risks for health and the environment compared to incineration and landfill.


### 29. considers that the disclosure of all hazardous chemicals in articles along the supply chain to consumers and waste managers is a prerequisite to achieve non-toxic material cycles; ### 29. considers that the disclosure of all non-confidential information on relevant hazardous chemicals in articles along the supply chain to consumers and waste managers is a prerequisite to achieve non-toxic material cycles; invites the commission to promote innovative , highly secure digital technologies to support the effective and timely communication of such information (e.g. blockchain , 5g);


### 29. considers that the disclosure of all hazardous chemicals in articles along the supply chain to consumers and waste managers is a prerequisite to achieve non-toxic material cycles; ### 29. considers that the disclosure of selected hazardous chemicals in articles along the supply chain to consumers and waste managers is a prerequisite to achieve non-toxic material cycles;


### 30. calls on the commission to ensure that a user-friendly public information system on hazardous substances present in materials , articles and waste , is swiftly established and made available in all languages of the union; ### 30. calls on the commission to ensure that a peer-reviewed evidence-based user-friendly public information system on hazardous substances present in materials , articles and waste , is swiftly established and made available in all languages of the union;


### 30. calls on the commission to ensure that a user-friendly public information system on hazardous substances present in materials , articles and waste , is swiftly established and made available in all languages of the union; ### 30. calls on the commission to ensure that a user-friendly public information system on selected hazardous substances present in materials , articles and waste , is swiftly established and made available in all languages of the union;


### 31. points out that the strategy should help the chemical industry to reach climate-neutrality and the zero pollution objectives as well as support the good functioning of the internal market while enhancing the competitiveness and innovation of eu industry; ### 31. points out that the strategy should help the chemical industry to reach climate-neutrality and the zero pollution objectives as well as support the good functioning of the internal market while enhancing the competitiveness and innovation of eu industry; considers the strategy should also take into account the protection of workers against harmful chemicals , for example by encouraging the setting up of prevention committees;


### 31. points out that the strategy should help the chemical industry to reach climate-neutrality and the zero pollution objectives as well as support the good functioning of the internal market while enhancing the competitiveness and innovation of eu industry; ### 31. points out that the strategy should help the industry to reach climate-neutrality and the zero pollution objectives as well as support the good functioning of the internal market while enhancing the competitiveness and innovation of eu industry , in line with the ‘new industrial strategy’; stresses that the strategy should mitigate the administrative burden and promote the union’s industrial production and economy;


### 2. welcomes the provision of the solvency support instrument that stipulates that beneficiaries of financial support will be encouraged to put in place a green transition plan; is of the opinion that that provision should be mandatory; ### 2. welcomes the solvency support instrument to enhance the level playing field in the single market , and the provision that stipulates that beneficiaries of financial support will be encouraged to put in place a green transition plan in line with the green deal objectives; is of the opinion that that provision should be mandatory , and linked to clear and transparent climate targets;


### 3. considers that the union should also show global climate leadership through its budgeting; highlights that every effort should be made to ensure that the overall climate and biodiversity mainstreaming targets are reached as soon as possible; recalls parliament’s position calling for 10 % of the union budget to be allocated to biodiversity expenditures; points out that climate and biodiversity-related expenditure must be tracked using a more robust , transparent and comprehensive methodology; is of the opinion that the taxonomy regulation provides the proper framework to update that methodology; ### 3. considers that the union should also show global climate leadership through its budgeting; highlights that every effort should be made to ensure that the overall climate and biodiversity mainstreaming targets are reached as soon as possible; recalls parliament’s position calling for 10 % of the union budget to be allocated to biodiversity expenditures; points out that climate and biodiversity-related expenditure must be tracked using a more robust , transparent and comprehensive methodology;


### 4. calls on the commission to implement green budgeting tools as of 2021; underlines in that regard the importance of effective climate and biodiversity proofing of the budget; ### 4. calls on the commission to map practical best practices regarding green budgeting tools and urges the commission to undertake similar initiatives in an international context; underlines in that regard the importance of effective climate and biodiversity proofing of the budget; emphasizes that sound public finances are the primary goal of the european fiscal rules , and that green investments should therefore not be treated outside the budgetary framework of the stability and growth pact (sgp);


### 5. stresses that sufficient funding should be allocated to the union civil protection mechanism , in order to help tackle public health emergencies , forest fires , floods , earthquakes , and other natural and human-made disasters , the effects of which are expected to be further exacerbated by climate change; ### 5. stresses that sufficient funding should be allocated to the union civil protection mechanism , in order to help tackle public health emergencies , forest fires , floods , earthquakes , and other natural and human-made disasters , the effects of which are expected to be further exacerbated by climate change; stresses that the need for a more flexible , faster and coordinated civil protection mechanism is one of the lessons learned from the covid-19 outbreak , which exposed the weakness of the current legal framework;


### 7. points to the importance of ensuring that sufficient financial resources and adequate human resources capacities are allocated to union agencies under the remit of the committee on the environment , public health and food safety , enabling them to fulfil their mandate , execute their tasks and respond optimally to the consequences of the covid-19 outbreak; underlines the fact that a proper coordination between agencies is needed to increase the effectiveness of their work and allow for a fair use of public money; ### 7. points to the importance of ensuring that sufficient financial resources and adequate human resources capacities are allocated to union agencies under the remit of the committee on the environment , public health and food safety , enabling them to fulfil their mandate , execute their tasks and respond optimally to the consequences of the covid-19 outbreak; underlines the fact that a proper coordination between agencies is needed to increase the effectiveness of their work and allow for a fair and efficient use of public money;


### 9. notes the publication of the agency’s vacancy notices on its website , on social media and on the eu agencies network’s dedicated site , in order to publicise such notices more; notes the agency’s reply that it has started to review processes to be able to post vacancy notices on the website of the european personnel selection office; calls on the agency to publish vacancy notices on the website of the european personnel selection office; ### 9. notes the publication of the agency’s vacancy notices on its website , on social media and on the eu agencies network’s dedicated site , in order to publicise such notices more; notes the agency’s reply that it has started to review processes to be able to post vacancy notices on the website of the european personnel selection office; calls on the agency to publish vacancy notices on the website of the european personnel selection office; calls upon the agency to aim its focus on disseminating the results of its research to the general public;


### 3. notes that for the third year running , the ‘data and maps’ section was the most visited of the agency’s website , with more than 2 ,75 million page views and the agency’s web map servers received 375 million requests to view maps produced by the agency (representing a 25 % increase compared to 2018); ### 3. notes that for the third year running , the ‘data and maps’ section was the most visited of the agency’s website , with more than 2 ,75 million page views and the agency’s web map servers received 375 million requests to view maps produced by the agency (representing a 25 % increase compared to 2018); believes that dissemination of environmental information is of key importance , especially in view of the european green deal;


### a. whereas forests and other wooded land cover at least 43 % of the eu’s territory , and some member states have more than half of their territories covered by forests and are heavily invested in forestry; ### a. whereas the eu is covered by 182 million hectares of forests and other wooded land accounting for 43 % of the eu’s territory and 5% of the world`s total forests , and some member states have more than half of their territories covered by forests and are heavily invested in forestry;


### b. whereas more than 3 million people in the eu are employed by the eu forest sector; ### b. whereas more than 3 million people in the eu are employed by the eu forest sector and these jobs are dependent on resilient forest ecosystems in the long-term;


### c. whereas europe’s forests are of immense value in terms of climate mitigation , since they absorb and store 10 % of eu carbon emissions; ### c. whereas europe’s forests are of immense value in terms of climate mitigation , since they absorb and store 10 % of eu carbon emissions; whereas the short-term effect of logged forest on climate is negative 1a whatever the use of logged wood , and potential future re-growth of logged site is of no use in the critical time we have left to act;


### c. whereas europe’s forests are of immense value in terms of climate mitigation , since they absorb and store 10 % of eu carbon emissions; ### c. whereas europe’s forests are of immense value in terms of climate mitigation , since they absorb and store 10 % of eu carbon emissions; whereas they store about 2.5 times more c in soils than in tree biomass 1a , highlights therefore the importance of complex forest ecosystems for the terrestrial carbon cycling in europe;


### c. whereas europe’s forests are of immense value in terms of climate mitigation , since they absorb and store 10 % of eu carbon emissions; ### c. whereas europe’s forests are of immense value in terms of climate mitigation , since they absorb and store 10 % of eu carbon emissions and provide a renewable and climate friendly raw material that substitutes for energy-intensive materials and fossil fuels;


### 1. welcomes the decision from the commission to introduce a new forest strategy; stresses the need for the forest strategy to fully observe the principle of subsidiarity; emphasises , in this regard , the need for a holistic and consistent forest strategy that enhances the multifunctional role of forests and the forest-based sector in the eu and that promotes the far-reaching societal , economic and environmental benefits of forests; underlines the urgent need to prevent and manage natural disturbances; highlights that the forest strategy should not be subordinate to any other sectoral strategy; ### 1. welcomes the decision from the commission to introduce a new forest strategy; stresses the need for the forest strategy to fully recognize both competences of eu member states and the european union in the area of protection of forests; emphasises , in this regard the need for a holistic and consistent forest strategy that enhances the multifunctional role of forests and the forest-based sector in the eu and that promotes the far-reaching societal , economic and environmental benefits of forests; underlines the urgent need to understand and manage accordingly the natural disturbances; highlights that the forest strategy should be built on an eu biodiversity strategy as laid down in the european green deal communication;


### 1. welcomes the decision from the commission to introduce a new forest strategy; stresses the need for the forest strategy to fully observe the principle of subsidiarity; emphasises , in this regard , the need for a holistic and consistent forest strategy that enhances the multifunctional role of forests and the forest-based sector in the eu and that promotes the far-reaching societal , economic and environmental benefits of forests; underlines the urgent need to prevent and manage natural disturbances; highlights that the forest strategy should not be subordinate to any other sectoral strategy; ### 1. welcomes the decision from the commission to introduce a new forest strategy; stresses the need for the forest strategy to fully observe the principle of subsidiarity; emphasises , in this regard , the need for a holistic and consistent forest strategy that enhances the multifunctional role of forests and the forest-based sector in the eu and that promotes the far-reaching societal , economic and environmental benefits of forests; underlines the urgent need to prevent and manage natural disturbances , particularly those exacerbated by climate change , such as drought and the development of certain diseases and parasites; highlights that the forest strategy should not be subordinate to any other sectoral strategy;


### 2. stresses that according to scientific research , sustainably managed forests have a higher co2 absorption capacity than unmanaged forests; urges , therefore , that the new forest strategy should promote sustainable forest management; recognises the positive impact of sustainable forest management on european forest biodiversity; notes that forest protection and production do not act in contradiction , but can in fact be complementary to one another; ### 2. stresses that according to scientific research6a there is a reduction in forest carbon stocks as a result of increased wood harvesting , and the long periods required (decades to centuries) before the initial increase in emissions is reabsorbed.; urges , therefore , that the new forest strategy should promote sustainable forest management; recognises the positive impact of sustainable forest management , in particular non-intervention management , on european forest biodiversity; notes that forest protection and production can act in contradiction , but could in fact be compatible with one another and have positive result also for climate when principles of nature-based solutions are adopted7a;


### 2. stresses that according to scientific research , sustainably managed forests have a higher co2 absorption capacity than unmanaged forests; urges , therefore , that the new forest strategy should promote sustainable forest management; recognises the positive impact of sustainable forest management on european forest biodiversity; notes that forest protection and production do not act in contradiction , but can in fact be complementary to one another; ### 2. stresses that according to scientific research , sustainably managed forests have a higher co2 absorption capacity than unmanaged forests; urges , therefore , that the new forest strategy should promote sustainable forest management; recognises the positive impact of sustainable forest management on european forest biodiversity; notes that forest protection and production do not act in contradiction , but can in fact be complementary to one another; stresses that sustainable and active forest management plays an important role in reaching eu climate and energy policy objectives and targets;


### 2. stresses that according to scientific research , sustainably managed forests have a higher co2 absorption capacity than unmanaged forests; urges , therefore , that the new forest strategy should promote sustainable forest management; recognises the positive impact of sustainable forest management on european forest biodiversity; notes that forest protection and production do not act in contradiction , but can in fact be complementary to one another; ### 2. stresses that according to scientific research , sustainably managed forests have a higher co2 absorption capacity than unmanaged forests; urges , therefore , that the new forest strategy should promote sustainable forest management; recognises the positive impact of sustainable forest management on european forest biodiversity; notes that forest protection and production do not act in contradiction , but can in fact be complementary to one another; underlines the need to develop and promote the use of eco-labelling and anti-deforestation certification;


### 2. stresses that according to scientific research , sustainably managed forests have a higher co2 absorption capacity than unmanaged forests; urges , therefore , that the new forest strategy should promote sustainable forest management; recognises the positive impact of sustainable forest management on european forest biodiversity; notes that forest protection and production do not act in contradiction , but can in fact be complementary to one another; ### 2. stresses that according to scientific research , sustainably managed forests have a higher co2 absorption capacity than forests that are not sustainably managed; urges , therefore , that the new forest strategy should promote sustainable forest management; recognises the positive impact of sustainable forest management on european forest biodiversity; notes that forest protection and production do not act in contradiction , but can be complementary to one another;


### 3. emphasises the important role forests can play in substituting fossil-based materials with bio-based products; believes that the new forest strategy should reflect the importance of the role played by european forests and the eu’s circular bio-economy in reaching climate neutrality by 2050 and that measures to this end should be included; ### 3. emphasises the important role forests can play in substituting fossil-based materials with bio-based products; underlines the important role of local and regional authorities in promoting the transition to the bio-economy by involving economic actors in the use of local wood resources; believes that the new forest strategy should reflect the importance of the role played by european forests and the eu’s circular bio-economy in reaching climate neutrality by 2050 and that measures to this end should be included;


### 3. emphasises the important role forests can play in substituting fossil-based materials with bio-based products; believes that the new forest strategy should reflect the importance of the role played by european forests and the eu’s circular bio-economy in reaching climate neutrality by 2050 and that measures to this end should be included; ### 3. emphasises the important role forests can play in substituting fossil-based materials with bio-based products , including in heating of buildings; believes that the new forest strategy should reflect the importance of the role played by european forests and the eu’s circular bio-economy in reaching climate neutrality by 2050 and that measures to this end should be included;


### 3. emphasises the important role forests can play in substituting fossil-based materials with bio-based products; believes that the new forest strategy should reflect the importance of the role played by european forests and the eu’s circular bio-economy in reaching climate neutrality by 2050 and that measures to this end should be included; ### (does not affect the english version.)


### 3. emphasises the important role forests can play in substituting fossil-based materials with bio-based products; believes that the new forest strategy should reflect the importance of the role played by european forests and the eu’s circular bio-economy in reaching climate neutrality by 2050 and that measures to this end should be included; ### 3. emphasises the role forests can play in substituting to some extent fossil-based materials with bio-based products; believes that the new forest strategy should reflect the importance of the role played by european forests and the eu’s circular bio-economy in reaching climate neutrality by 2050 and that measures to this end should be included;


### 4. notes that research and technology have come a long way since the forest strategy was introduced in 2013; stresses the importance of encouraging further research in forestry and bio-based products and believes that eu funds for research should be further directed towards this; stresses that more research and funding would make a positive contribution to climate change mitigation , sustainable economic growth and employment , especially in rural areas; ### 4. notes that research and technology have come a long way since the forest strategy was introduced in 2013 and that science is now unequivocal that parts of the bio-based economy were and are a false solution , in particular when it comes to bioenergy; stresses the importance of encouraging further research in forestry and bio-based products and incorporating scientific findings into policy to turn bioeconomy into a no regret and success story , believes that eu funds for research should be further directed towards this; stresses that more research and funding would make a positive contribution to climate change mitigation , sustainable economic growth and employment , especially in rural areas;


### 4. notes that research and technology have come a long way since the forest strategy was introduced in 2013; stresses the importance of encouraging further research in forestry and bio-based products and believes that eu funds for research should be further directed towards this; stresses that more research and funding would make a positive contribution to climate change mitigation , sustainable economic growth and employment , especially in rural areas; ### 4. notes that research and technology have come a long way since the forest strategy was introduced in 2013; stresses the importance of encouraging further research in forestry and bio-based products and believes that eu funds for research should be further directed towards this; stresses that more research and funding would make a positive contribution to climate change mitigation , safeguarding forest ecosystems and boosting biodiversity , sustainable economic growth and employment , especially in rural areas;


### 5. expresses its concern over the health condition and resilience of forests in many parts of europe; highlights the need to strengthen and make full use of eu mechanisms to tackle the transboundary pressures on forests from the spread of invasive alien species , pests , and diseases. ### 5. expresses its concern over the health condition and resilience of forests in many parts of europe; stresses the importance of the assistance provided under the eu's civil protection mechanism; highlights the need to increase the monitoring and coordination capacities of national surveillance services and instruments along the lines of the european forest fire information system (effis); highlights the need to strengthen and make full use of eu mechanisms to tackle the transboundary pressures on forests from the spread of invasive alien species , pests , and diseases.


### 5. expresses its concern over the health condition and resilience of forests in many parts of europe; highlights the need to strengthen and make full use of eu mechanisms to tackle the transboundary pressures on forests from the spread of invasive alien species , pests , and diseases. ### 5. expresses its concern over the health condition and resilience of forests in many parts of europe; highlights the need to strengthen and make full use of eu mechanisms to tackle the transboundary pressures on forests from the spread of invasive alien species , pests , and diseases; calls on the commission to facilitate a platform for exchange of best practice to combat this;


### 5. expresses its concern over the health condition and resilience of forests in many parts of europe; highlights the need to strengthen and make full use of eu mechanisms to tackle the transboundary pressures on forests from the spread of invasive alien species , pests , and diseases. ### 5. expresses its concern over the health condition and resilience of forests in many parts of europe; highlights the need to strengthen and make full use of eu mechanisms to tackle transboundary pressures , including those man-induced , on forests from the spread of invasive alien species , pests , and diseases , excessive or illegal logging.


### 5. expresses its concern over the health condition and resilience of forests in many parts of europe; highlights the need to strengthen and make full use of eu mechanisms to tackle the transboundary pressures on forests from the spread of invasive alien species , pests , and diseases. ### 5. expresses its concern over the health condition and resilience of forests in many parts of europe; highlights the need to strengthen and make full use of eu mechanisms to tackle the transboundary pressures on forests from the spread of invasive alien species , pests , and diseases , as well as storms , droughts and wildfires.


### — having regard to the conclusions of the agriculture and fisheries council of 17 and 18 december 2018 on the updated eu bioeconomy strategy , ### — having regard to the council conclusions of 29 november 2019 on the updated eu bioeconomy strategy1a;


### 16. highlights the need to take into consideration the links between the forest-based sector and other sectors as well as the importance of digitalisation and investing in research and innovation; stresses the crucial role of wood-based materials in substituting fossil-based alternatives in industries such as the construction industry , the textile industry , the chemical industry and the packaging industry; ### 16. highlights the need to take into consideration the links between the forest-based sector and other sectors as well as the importance of digitalisation and investing in research and innovation; stresses the crucial role of wood-based materials in substituting fossil-based alternatives in industries such as the construction industry , the textile industry , the chemical industry and the packaging industry; encourages european commission to explore different market-based mechanisms to incentivise a substitution from fossil to renewable raw materials such as wood in constructions , which offer climate benefits;


### 16. highlights the need to take into consideration the links between the forest-based sector and other sectors as well as the importance of digitalisation and investing in research and innovation; stresses the crucial role of wood-based materials in substituting fossil-based alternatives in industries such as the construction industry , the textile industry , the chemical industry and the packaging industry; ### 16. highlights the need to take into consideration the links between the forest-based sector and other sectors as well as the importance of digitalisation and investing in research and innovation; stresses the crucial role of wood-based materials in substituting fossil-based alternatives in industries such as the construction industry , the textile industry , the chemical industry and the packaging industry and the need to fully take into account the climate and environmental benefits of this material substitution;


### 5. notes with satisfaction that the authority shares resources and activities with the european chemicals agency , the european environmental agency , the european medicines agency and the european centre for disease prevention and control within the same policy cluster , under the guidance of the directorate-general for health and food safety , the directorate-general for environment and the directorate general for informatics; notes that the authority has been actively participating in the european union agencies network initiative on shared services identification , implementation and monitoring , which also led to a number of joint activities and projects , particularly in the area of joint procurement; ### 5. notes with satisfaction that the authority shares resources and activities with the european chemicals agency , the european environmental agency , the european medicines agency and the european centre for disease prevention and control within the same policy cluster , under the guidance of the directorate-general for health and food safety , the directorate-general for environment and the directorate general for informatics; notes that the authority has been actively participating in the european union agencies network initiative on shared services identification , implementation and monitoring , which also led to a number of joint activities and projects , particularly in the area of joint procurement; strongly encourages the authority to actively seek further and broader cooperation with the union agencies;


### (1) commission estimates derived from firm-level data suggest that the equity repair needs resulting from the covid-19 pandemic could be in the region of eur 720 billion in 2020. the number could go higher in case lockdown measures were to stay in place for longer than currently assumed , or if they had to be re-imposed due to a resurgence of contaminations. if left unaddressed these capital shortfalls may lead to a prolonged period of lower investment and higher unemployment. the impact of the capital shortfall will be uneven across sectors and member states , leading to divergences in the single market. this is compounded by the fact that the capacity of member states to provide state aid differs greatly. ### (1) commission estimates derived from firm-level data suggest that the equity repair needs resulting from the covid-19 pandemic could be in the region of eur 720 billion in 2020. the number could go higher in case lockdown measures were to stay in place for longer than currently assumed , or if they had to be re-imposed due to a resurgence of contaminations. if left unaddressed these capital shortfalls may lead to a prolonged period of lower investment , higher unemployment and resulting significant impacts on eu competitiveness. the impact of the capital shortfall will be uneven across sectors and member states , leading to divergences in the single market. this is compounded by the fact that the capacity of member states to provide state aid differs greatly.


### (1) commission estimates derived from firm-level data suggest that the equity repair needs resulting from the covid-19 pandemic could be in the region of eur 720 billion in 2020. the number could go higher in case lockdown measures were to stay in place for longer than currently assumed , or if they had to be re-imposed due to a resurgence of contaminations. if left unaddressed these capital shortfalls may lead to a prolonged period of lower investment and higher unemployment. the impact of the capital shortfall will be uneven across sectors and member states , leading to divergences in the single market. this is compounded by the fact that the capacity of member states to provide state aid differs greatly. ### (1) commission estimates derived from firm-level data suggest that the equity repair needs resulting from the covid-19 pandemic could be in the region of eur 720 billion in 2020. the number could go higher in case lockdown measures were to stay in place for longer than currently assumed , or if they had to be re-imposed due to a resurgence of contaminations. if left unaddressed these capital shortfalls may lead to a prolonged period of lower investment , higher unemployment and widespread business failures. the impact of the capital shortfall will be uneven across sectors and member states , leading to divergences in the single market. this is compounded by the fact that the capacity of member states to provide state aid and solvency support differs greatly.


### (3) in order to counter the severe economic consequences of the covid-19 pandemic in the union , companies that have encountered difficulties because of the economic crisis caused by the pandemic and that cannot obtain sufficient support through market financing , or measures undertaken by member states , should be provided with a facility for solvency support as a matter of urgency under a solvency support instrument which should be added as a third window under the efsi. ### (3) in order to counter the severe economic consequences of the covid-19 pandemic in the union , companies that have encountered difficulties because of the economic crisis caused by the pandemic and that cannot obtain sufficient support through market financing , or measures undertaken by member states , should be provided with a facility for solvency support as a matter of urgency under a solvency support instrument which should be added as a third window under the efsi. the solvency support instrument should be focussed on this objective alone and should not be concerned with secondary objectives (e.g. in the area of taxation).


### (3) in order to counter the severe economic consequences of the covid-19 pandemic in the union , companies that have encountered difficulties because of the economic crisis caused by the pandemic and that cannot obtain sufficient support through market financing , or measures undertaken by member states , should be provided with a facility for solvency support as a matter of urgency under a solvency support instrument which should be added as a third window under the efsi. ### (3) in order to counter the severe economic consequences of the covid-19 pandemic in the union , companies , in particular smes , that have encountered difficulties because of the economic crisis caused by the pandemic and that cannot obtain sufficient support through market financing , or measures undertaken by member states , should be provided with a facility for solvency support as a matter of urgency under a solvency support instrument which should be added as a third window under the efsi.


### (4) companies supported under the solvency support instrument should be established and operating in the union , meaning that they should have their registered office in a member state and should be active in the union in the sense that they have substantial activities in terms of staff , manufacturing , research and development or other business activities in the union. they should pursue activities in support of objectives covered by this regulation. they should have a viable business model and not have been in difficulty in terms of the state aid framework7 already at end 2019. support should be targeted at eligible companies operating in those member states and sectors which are most impacted by the covid-19 crisis and/or where the availability of state solvency support is more limited. ### (4) companies supported under the solvency support instrument should be established and operating in the union , meaning that they should have their registered office in a member state and should be active in the union in the sense that they have substantial activities in terms of staff , manufacturing , research and development or other business activities in the union. they should pursue activities in support of objectives covered by this regulation. they should have a viable business model and not have been in difficulty in terms of the state aid framework7 already at end 2019. in case of micro or small enterprises , they could have been in difficulty already on 31 december 2019 provided that they are not subject to collective insolvency procedure under national law , and that they have not received rescue aid or restructuring aid. support should be targeted at eligible companies operating in those member states and sectors which are most impacted by the covid-19 crisis and/or where the availability of state solvency support is more limited.


### (4) companies supported under the solvency support instrument should be established and operating in the union , meaning that they should have their registered office in a member state and should be active in the union in the sense that they have substantial activities in terms of staff , manufacturing , research and development or other business activities in the union. they should pursue activities in support of objectives covered by this regulation. they should have a viable business model and not have been in difficulty in terms of the state aid framework7 already at end 2019. support should be targeted at eligible companies operating in those member states and sectors which are most impacted by the covid-19 crisis and/or where the availability of state solvency support is more limited. ### (4) companies supported under the solvency support instrument should be established and operating in the union , meaning that they should have their registered office in a member state and should be active in the union in the sense that they have substantial activities in terms of staff , manufacturing , research and development or other business activities in the union. they should pursue activities in support of objectives covered by this regulation. in order to ensure that only those companies receive support that are indeed affected by the spread of covid-19 , receiving companies should have a viable business model and must be able to demonstrate that they have not been in difficulty in terms of the state aid framework7 already at end 2019. support should be targeted at eligible companies operating in those member states and sectors which are most impacted by the covid-19 crisis and/or where the availability of state solvency support is more limited.


### (4) companies supported under the solvency support instrument should be established and operating in the union , meaning that they should have their registered office in a member state and should be active in the union in the sense that they have substantial activities in terms of staff , manufacturing , research and development or other business activities in the union. they should pursue activities in support of objectives covered by this regulation. they should have a viable business model and not have been in difficulty in terms of the state aid framework7 already at end 2019. support should be targeted at eligible companies operating in those member states and sectors which are most impacted by the covid-19 crisis and/or where the availability of state solvency support is more limited. ### (4) companies supported under the solvency support instrument should be established and operating in the union , meaning that they should have their registered office in a member state and should be active in the union in the sense that they have substantial activities in terms of staff , manufacturing , research and development or other business activities in the union. they should pursue activities in support of objectives covered by this regulation. they should be economically viable in the long-term and not have been in difficulty in terms of the state aid framework7 already at end 2019. support should be targeted at eligible companies operating in those member states and sectors which are most impacted by the covid-19 crisis and/or where the availability of state solvency support is more limited , while ensuring a balanced geographical spread across the union.


### (8) the delivery modes of the support should be flexible in view of the need of differing solutions in different member states. they should include , inter alia , eib group financing , or guarantee or investment in existing independently managed funds or in special purpose vehicles that in turn invest in eligible companies. furthermore , the support could be channelled via newly established independently managed funds , including via first-time teams , or via special purpose vehicles especially set up either at european or regional or national level with a view to benefiting from the eu guarantee in order to invest in eligible companies. the eu guarantee could also be used to guarantee or finance an intervention by a national promotional bank or institution in line with state aid rules together with private investors in support of eligible companies. undue distortion of competition in the internal market should be avoided. ### (8) the delivery modes of the support should be flexible in view of the need of differing solutions in different member states and in order to ensure that support can be channelled to eligible companies without bureaucratic difficulties. they should include , inter alia , eib group financing , or guarantee or investment in existing independently managed funds or in special purpose vehicles that in turn invest in eligible companies. furthermore , the support could be channelled via newly established independently managed funds , including via first-time teams , or via special purpose vehicles especially set up either at european or regional or national level with a view to benefiting from the eu guarantee in order to invest in eligible companies. the eu guarantee could also be used to guarantee or finance an intervention by a national promotional bank or institution in line with state aid rules together with private investors in support of eligible companies. undue distortion of competition in the internal market should be avoided.


### (10) the financing and investment operations should be aligned with current policy priorities of the union such as the european green deal and the strategy on shaping europe’s digital future. support to cross-border activities should also be targeted. ### (10) the financing and investment operations should be aligned with current policy priorities of the union such as the european green deal , the strategy on shaping europe’s digital future , the sme strategy for a sustainable and digital europe , and the new industrial strategy for a green and digital europe. support to cross-border activities should also be targeted.


### (13) an amount of eur 100 000 000 should be established to support the set-up and management of investment funds , special purpose vehicles and investment platforms in member states , in particular in those which do not have developed equity fund markets , and to support the green and digital transformation of companies financed under the solvency support window. ### (13) an amount of eur 150 000 000 should be established to support the set-up and management of investment funds , special purpose vehicles and investment platforms in member states , in particular in those which do not have developed equity fund markets , and to support the green and digital transformation of companies financed under the solvency support window.


### the solvency of companies established in a member state and operating in the union. ### the solvency of companies established in a member state and operating in the union , with a particular focus on smes.


### however , support under the solvency support window shall only be granted if it is to the benefit of companies that were not in difficulty in state aid terms8 already at the end of 2019 but since then face significant solvency risks due to the crisis caused by the covid-19 pandemic; ### however , support under the solvency support window shall only be granted if it is to the benefit of companies that were not in difficulty in state aid terms8 already at the end of 2019 but since then face significant solvency risks due to the crisis caused by the covid-19 pandemic. companies have to be able to demonstrate the viability of their business model by the end of 2019 upon request.


### however , support under the solvency support window shall only be granted if it is to the benefit of companies that were not in difficulty in state aid terms8 already at the end of 2019 but since then face significant solvency risks due to the crisis caused by the covid-19 pandemic; ### however , support under the solvency support window shall only be granted if it is to the benefit of companies that are financially viable in the long-term and that were not in difficulty in state aid terms8 already at the end of 2019 but since then face significant solvency risks due to the crisis caused by the covid-19 pandemic;


### (2) in accordance with regulation [european union recovery instrument] and within the limits of resources allocated therein , recovery and resilience measures under the solvency support window of the european fund for strategic investments should be carried out to address the unprecedented impact of the covid-19 crisis. such additional resources should be used in such a way as to ensure compliance with the time limits provided for in regulation [euri]. ### (2) in accordance with regulation [european union recovery instrument] and within the limits of resources allocated therein , recovery and resilience measures under the solvency support window of the european fund for strategic investments should be carried out to address the unprecedented economic impact of the covid-19 crisis with a particular focus on preserving jobs and livelihoods by supporting smes , as they provide two out of three jobs in the eu. such additional resources should be used in such a way as to ensure compliance with the time limits provided for in regulation [euri].


### (5) the eu guarantee granted to the european investment bank (eib) should be increased by eur 66 436 320 000 in order to create the third window of the efsi – the solvency support window – under which solvency support should be provided. ### (5) the eu guarantee granted to the european investment bank (eib) should be increased by eur 66 436 320 000 in order to create the third window of the efsi – the solvency support window – under which solvency support should be provided. this figure may need to be increased further depending on how the pandemic evolves and the challenges it presents for european companies.


### (9) the equity funds , special purpose vehicles , investment platforms and national promotional banks and institutions should provide equity or quasi-equity (such as hybrid debt , preferred stock or convertible equity) to eligible companies , but excluding entities targeting buy-out (or replacement capital) intended for asset stripping. ### (9) the solvency support instrument ensures that equity funds , special purpose vehicles , investment platforms and national promotional banks and institutions can provide equity or quasi-equity (such as hybrid debt , preferred stock or convertible equity , subordinated loans , and other instruments that are particularly suitable to provide solvency support to smes) to eligible companies , but excluding entities targeting buy-out (or replacement capital) intended for asset stripping.


### (9) ‘companies’ means for the purposes of the solvency support window companies , project companies , public-private partnerships and other legal structures. ### (9) ‘companies’ means for the purposes of the solvency support window companies , smes , project companies , public-private partnerships and other legal structures.


### (10) in article 9 , the introductory sentence of the third subparagraph of paragraph 2 is amended as follows: ### deleted


### the operations concerned shall be consistent with union policies , including the european green deal9 and the strategy on shaping europe’s digital future10 , as well as supporting an inclusive and symmetric recovery in the aftermath of the covid-19 pandemic , and support any of the following general objectives:’ ### the operations concerned shall be consistent with union policies , including the european green deal9 , the strategy on shaping europe’s digital future10 , the sme strategy for a sustainable and digital europe , and the new industrial strategy for a green and digital europe , as well as supporting an inclusive and symmetric recovery in the aftermath of the covid-19 pandemic , and support any of the following general objectives:’


### ensure that the majority of efsi financing under the solvency support window is utilised to support eligible companies in member states and sectors economically most hit by the covid-19 pandemic; ### ensure that the majority of efsi financing under the solvency support window is utilised to support eligible companies in member states and sectors economically most hit by the covid-19 pandemic while ensuring a balanced geographical spread of support across member states. the steering board shall regularly monitor the geographical and sectoral coverage of support and shall update diversification and concentration limits where necessary in accordance with annex ii section 8 , point b;


### ensure that the majority of efsi financing under the solvency support window is utilised to support eligible companies in member states where the availability of state solvency support is more limited. ### ensure that the majority of efsi financing under the solvency support window is utilised to support eligible companies , particularly smes , in member states where the availability of state solvency support is more limited.


### an amount of up to eur 100 000 000 shall be made available for covering costs , advisory services and technical and administrative assistance to set-up and manage funds , special purpose vehicles , investment platforms and other vehicles for the purposes of the solvency support window including for support referred to in point (i) of article 14(2) and having a special focus on member states with less developed equity markets. the technical assistance shall also be available to support the green and digital transformation of companies financed under this window. ### an amount of up to eur 150 000 000 shall be made available for covering costs , advisory services and technical and administrative assistance to set-up and manage funds , special purpose vehicles , investment platforms and other vehicles for the purposes of the solvency support window including for support referred to in point (i) of article 14(2) and having a special focus on member states with less developed equity markets and on funds , investment platforms and special purpose vehicles providing support to smes. the technical assistance shall also be available to support the green and digital transformation of companies financed under this window , with a particular focus on smes.


### – companies targeted by funds , special purpose vehicles or investment platforms shall be encouraged to comply , to the extent possible , with minimum high-level social and environmental safeguards in line with guidance provided by the steering board. such guidance should include adequate provisions for avoiding undue administrative burdens , taking into account the size of companies and including lighter provisions for smes. companies with a certain level of exposure to a pre-defined list of environmentally harmful activities , in particular the sectors covered by the eu emissions trading system (eu ets) , shall be encouraged to put in place , in the future , green transition plans. companies shall also be encouraged to advance in their digital transformation. technical assistance shall be available to assist companies for the purpose of these transitions. ### – with the exception of smes as defined in eu recommendation 2003/361 , companies targeted by funds , special purpose vehicles or investment platforms shall be required to comply , to the extent possible , with minimum high-level social and environmental safeguards in line with guidance provided by the steering board. such guidance should include adequate provisions for avoiding undue administrative burdens , taking into account the size of companies and including lighter provisions for smes. companies with a certain level of exposure to a pre-defined list of environmentally harmful activities , in particular the sectors covered by the eu emissions trading system (eu ets) , shall be encouraged to put in place , in the future , green transition plans. companies shall also be encouraged to advance in their digital transformation. technical assistance shall be available to assist companies for the purpose of these transitions.


### geographical concentration ### deleted


### efsi-supported operations shall not be concentrated in any specific territory at the end of the investment period concerned. to this end the steering board shall adopt indicative geographical diversification and concentration guidelines. the steering board may decide to modify these indicative limits , after consulting the investment committee. ### efsi-supported operations shall not be concentrated in any specific territory at the end of the investment period concerned. to this end the steering board shall adopt indicative geographical diversification and concentration guidelines with the aim of ensuring a balanced geographical spread of support. the steering board may decide to modify these indicative limits , after consulting the investment committee.


### a. whereas pharmaceuticals play an essential role in ensuring a high level of public health; whereas there are currently more than 3000 active pharmaceutical ingredients on the european market; ### a. whereas pharmaceuticals play an essential role in ensuring a high level of human and animal health; whereas there are currently more than 3000 active pharmaceutical ingredients on the european market;


### b. whereas the wide use of pharmaceuticals in human and veterinary medicines , including antimicrobial agents , has increased their concentrations in many environmental reservoirs such as soils , sediments and waterbodies in the past 20 years; whereas the largest source of pharmaceuticals entering the environment is their use and disposal; ### b. whereas the wide use of pharmaceuticals in human and veterinary medicines , including antimicrobial agents , has increased their concentrations in many environmental reservoirs such as soils , sediments and waterbodies in the past 20 years; whereas environmental concentrations are likely to increase as the population ages and grows , and climate change is expected to worsen the pollution of water by pharmaceutical residues as at times of drought concentrations will be higher; whereas the largest source of pharmaceuticals entering the environment is their use and disposal;


### b. whereas the wide use of pharmaceuticals in human and veterinary medicines , including antimicrobial agents , has increased their concentrations in many environmental reservoirs such as soils , sediments and waterbodies in the past 20 years; whereas the largest source of pharmaceuticals entering the environment is their use and disposal; ### b. whereas the wide use of active substances in human and veterinary medicines , including antimicrobial agents , has increased their concentrations in many environmental reservoirs such as soils , sediments and waterbodies in the past 20 years; whereas the trend towards increasing consumption of pharmaceuticals for human use is likely to continue as the population gradually ages and grows; whereas the largest source of pharmaceuticals entering the environment is their use and disposal;


### d. whereas the excessive and incorrect use of antibiotics , particularly in livestock farming , and more generally poor practices in both human and veterinary medicine , have progressively rendered antimicrobial resistance a massive threat to human and animal health; ### d. whereas the incorrect use of antibiotics through generally poor practices in both human and veterinary medicine , particularly in non-eu countries , has progressively rendered antimicrobial resistance a massive threat to human and animal health;


### d. whereas the excessive and incorrect use of antibiotics , particularly in livestock farming , and more generally poor practices in both human and veterinary medicine , have progressively rendered antimicrobial resistance a massive threat to human and animal health; ### d. whereas the inappropriate use of antibiotics , particularly in livestock farming , and more generally poor practices in both human and veterinary medicine , have progressively rendered antimicrobial resistance a massive threat to human and animal health;


### d. whereas the excessive and incorrect use of antibiotics , particularly in livestock farming , and more generally poor practices in both human and veterinary medicine , have progressively rendered antimicrobial resistance a massive threat to human and animal health; ### d. whereas the inefficient use of antibiotics , particularly in livestock farming , and more generally poor practices in both human and veterinary medicine , have progressively rendered antimicrobial resistance a massive threat to human and animal health;


### e. whereas pharmaceuticals put on the market before 2006 were not subject to an environmental risk assessment as part of the authorisation process and might therefore still lack such an assessment; ### e. whereas pharmaceuticals authorised for human use and put on the market before 2006 were not subject to an environmental risk assessment as part of the authorisation process and might therefore still lack such an assessment;


### e. whereas pharmaceuticals put on the market before 2006 were not subject to an environmental risk assessment as part of the authorisation process and might therefore still lack such an assessment; ### e. whereas pharmaceuticals authorised for human use put on the market before 2006 were not subject to an environmental risk assessment as part of the authorisation process and might therefore still lack such an assessment;


### g. whereas there is sufficient evidence that action should be taken to reduce the risk from pharmaceuticals in the environment; ### g. whereas there is sufficient evidence that action should be taken to reduce the environmental impact from some pharmaceutical substances , which can pose a risk to the environment;