Glyphosate licence renewed

The EU has voted to allow the use of the controversial weed-killer glyphosate for another five years, as Malta and eight other countries were defeated in their attempt to block the extension.
Yesterday’s decision by the appeal committee of EU governments came after months of indecisive votes amid fears that the chemical causes cancer.
Malta has consistently opposed efforts to renew the glyphosate licence, which was set to expire in December.
Ahead of the vote, an environment ministry spokesman said the government would push for a phase-out in the shortest possible timeframe.
Yesterday, Malta was among nine Member States – including France, Italy and Belgium – to vote against the European Commission’s five-year proposal.
However, 18 countries voted in favour, with one abstaining, securing the narrowest of possible margins under rules requiring more than a simple majority.

The key swing vote came from Germany, which had abstained on several previous votes before voting in favour yesterday.
Poland, Bulgaria and Romania did likewise, leaving only Portugal still on the fence.
The Commission’s five-year proposal came after earlier attempts to extend the licence for 10 to 15 years all...