"Asbestos is leading to the death of people. Many do not realize that this is due to the asbestos they have come into contact with in the past. We need new and better quality campaigns / educational programs. In my opinion, I would like to propose new tools and solutions to give former, current and future employees and their families a dedicated medical system that ensures proper diagnostics and medical care. It is also our responsibility as local and regional authorities (LRAs) to remove asbestos from our communities as soon as possible in a safe way." Hanna Zdanowska, made these remarks during an exchange of views on 'Amending the Directive on Asbestos' held with representatives of LRAs in Brussels during a SEDEC Commission meeting.
Last September the European Commission issued a proposal to amend the Directive (2009/148/EC) on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to asbestos at work. Zdanowska was appointed as the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) Rapporteur. In this regard, Zdanowska is preparing an opinion taking into account the territorial impact of this directive on villages, cities and regions.
The ambition to increase the renovation rate of buildings (in the context of the green transition and the energy crisis) may increase exposure to asbestos, particularly for construction workers. Asbestos is a substance with proven pathogenic effects (causing cancer). Energy renovation of buildings falls mainly under the task of local government and hence LRAs have a vital role to play in shaping the new directive.
Zdanowska, who serves as Mayor of Łódź, said that for the new Directive to be successful, Member States and EU institutions should closely engage LRAs in all stages of its coordination and implementation, while stepping up active cooperation with LRAs and financially supporting initiatives in all areas covered by the Directive.
In this regard, Zdanowska's opinion will put forward a series of proposals including, that LRAs authorities should be granted direct access to European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF) in connection with plans for the safe removal of asbestos. The opinion will also highlight the need to draw up a special inventory of asbestos sites for buildings that are to be refurbished, renovated or sold. There is little awareness of the risk of Asbestos and Asbestos-related cancers only become apparent a long time after exposure. Hence, the rapporteur would like to emphasise the importance of public awareness campaigns targeting also local and regional government staff.
The opinion is expected to be adopted in the SEDEC commission on 17/02/2023 and later voted upon in the CoR plenary session of 24-25/05/2023.
