Chemical Omnibus brings partial relief
A provisional agreement was reached on the Chemical Omnibus covering CLP, cosmetics and fertilisers. ESN welcomed pragmatic solutions on labelling requirements and implementation deadlines, as well as a satisfactory compromise on fertilisers. While not perfect, the agreement was seen as a step toward reducing administrative burdens for farmers, SMEs and the chemical industry.
NGT1 plants: no approval without safeguards
ESN expressed general support for the deregulation of NGT1 plants due to their potential for plant breeding. However, the Council position was rejected because it lacked clear labelling, traceability and a legally secure patent ban. Without these safeguards, ESN warned of biopatents, corporate monopolies and new dependencies for farmers and breeders.
Passenger rights must not be weakened
The reform of European air passenger rights also drew criticism. ESN stressed that necessary relief for airlines must not come at the expense of passengers. Higher thresholds for compensation, longer waiting times or restrictions on passenger rights were rejected. Europe needs both a competitive aviation sector and strong consumer protection.
Child safety without censorship
In the debate on child protection, ESN criticised the Commission for focusing mainly on controlling social media while ignoring major child abuse scandals across Europe. ESN argued that parents remain the first and most important protection for children online, while public authorities must focus on protecting children from dangerous offenders in real life.
Grooming-gang scandals must not be ignored
The publication of an independent report on grooming-gang crimes in the United Kingdom sparked strong criticism of institutional failure, media silence and political double standards. ESN called for a plenary debate on the issue and argued that the protection of victims must not depend on political convenience or the profile of the perpetrators.
Growing criticism of Brussels’ priorities
Across the plenary week, ESN criticised what it sees as misguided priorities in Brussels: excessive bureaucracy, ideological regulation, insufficient protection of citizens and a growing disconnect between EU institutions and the real concerns of Europeans.
