Dangerous substances, metallic mercury: banning of exports, safe storage

The European Parliament adopted the resolution drafted by Dimitrios Papadimoulis (EUL-NGL, Greece), and made some amendments to the proposal for a regulation on the banning of exports and the safe storage of metallic mercury.  The report was adopted by 673 votes in favour to 14 against with 9 abstentions. Parliament endorsed the amendments made by its competent committee (please see the summary of 03/05/2007) and added the following:

- the possibilities for locations for the temporary storage of metallic mercury were expanded;

- the Commission and the Member States shall, taking into account in particular the needs of affected developing countries and countries with economies in transition, cooperate in promoting technical assistance , including training, for the development of the infrastructure, the capacity and the expertise necessary in order to make progress in the shift towards alternative mercury-free technologies and to eventually phase out uses and releases of mercury and mercury compounds;

- the Commission and the Member States shall also consider giving support to NGOs, which have been especially efficient in delivering those kinds of services.