On 13 March 2024 MEPs adopted their first reading position on the proposed revision of the Waste Framework with 514 votes in favour, 20 against and 91 abstentions. The text reflects the report adopted by the ENVI Committee in February: They propose higher binding waste reduction targets to be met at national level by 31 December 2030 – at least 20% in food processing and manufacturing (instead of 10% proposed by the Commission) and 40% per capita in retail, restaurants, food services and households (instead of 30%). Parliament also wants the Commission to evaluate if higher targets for 2035 (at least 30% and 50% respectively) should be introduced, and if so, asks them to come up with a legislative proposal.
Rapporteur Anna Zalewska (ECR, PL) said: “Parliament has come up with targeted solutions to reduce food waste, such as promoting “ugly” fruits and veggies, keeping an eye on unfair market practices, clarifying date labelling and donating unsold-but-consumable food. For textiles, we also want to include non-household products, carpets and mattresses, as well as sales via online platform.” As mentioned in FEBA’s position paper, we welcome that food donation for human consumption is mentioned among the appropriate measures that the Member States shall take to prevent the generation of food waste. FEBA and its members believe that this can be a promising tool for achieving SDG Target 12.3 to halve food waste per capita by
2030. However, this would require targets of a 50% reduction at the EU-level, thus more ambitious than foreseen in then current proposal. In addition, FEBA strongly recommends the coverage of the entire food supply chain, i.e. addressing also food loss at primary production stage. FEBA encourages a more ambitious approach,which is necessary for the achievement of SDG 12.3 in the European Union.
The file will be followed up by the new Parliament after the 6-9 June European elections.
Find the original press release here.
