2
Oct
2023
Watch
Protection of workers from asbestos (debate)
Mr President! We are finally getting better protection against asbestos in the EU. It's a huge victory, but let me be honest. It's been a tough fight coming here. At first, the European Commission did not believe that there was a need for new asbestos rules. That is why we gathered a massive majority here in the European Parliament behind the call for a comprehensive asbestos reform. Then the Commission presented a legislative proposal. But the proposal was too weak. The weak proposal was supported by the governments of the Member States. However, with the backing of the European trade union movement, we fought hard in the negotiations and we prevailed. Now there is a significantly lower limit value. There are now mandatory requirements for companies regarding authorisation and training for employees. Now we finally have an asbestos reform that can be felt in the workplace. A reform that puts protection first for the benefit of thousands of colleagues. A reform that will save lives. With this asbestos reform, we are making a difference. A difference we can be proud of. Enfin, je voudrais exprimer mes remerciements à notre rapporteure, Véronique Trillet-Lenoir. Défenseure et championne de la santé européenne, or sera avec nous demain. Merci beaucoup chère Véronique!