"A chemicals strategy for sustainability is an important element of economic policy based on green solutions. The effects of its deployments are expected by regions and the society. In this opinion, we want to indicate the role of regions in the process of its implementation by focusing on health of residents and the environment. We can see in it a chance to improve competitiveness through innovation." Adam Struzik, President of the Mazovia Region made these remarks when presenting his opinion on 'Safe and sustainable chemicals for a toxic-free environment in Europe's cities and regions' during an ENVE commission meeting held online.
His opinion calls for recognition of the importance of multilevel governance in order to effectively link the goals and objectives of the chemicals strategy to the green recovery of the European economy. It underlines that National Recovery and Resilience Plans represent an opportunity to use the potential of multilevel governance in order to jointly rebuild a more sustainable future. The opinion calls for full engagement of local and regional authorities in the definition and implementation of the plans and granting them direct access to EU funds. In this regard, it recommends that local and regional authorities are consulted when drawing up national plans for strategies and building resilience.
Struzik's opinion expresses the keen interest and willingness of regions and local authorities to take action to improve the safe use of chemicals. It notes that local and regional authorities have an important role to play in implementing the chemicals strategy.
He recognises the added value of the strategy in terms of innovative business models and increased competitiveness of the European chemicals sector and calls to support the efforts of different sectors and businesses to substitute potentially hazardous substances by promoting research and development, investing in sustainable chemicals and technological innovation.
The rapporteur welcomes the possibility of financial support from EU funds for the upskilling and reskilling of workers involved in the production and use of chemicals. These actions will create new economic opportunities while fostering social justice and resilience, especially in the most vulnerable regions, and will contribute to the achievement of the green transition
During the ENVE Commission meeting, members of the CoR held a discussion on the opinion. Brigitta Pallauf, President of the Salzburg state parliament and EPP-CoR Coordinator said "People must be given simple and local opportunities to recycle and collect problematic materials, with an emphasis on regional and municipal cooperation. There is a need for low-threshold and simple offers for the population to participate in collections."