Ban on animal testing for cosmeticsIt took ten years but finally, as of March 11, cosmetics tested on animals cannot be marketed any more in the EU. A Communication adopted by the Executive illustrates measures enforced outlines how the EU intends to further support research and innovation in this area "while promoting animal welfare world-wide". European Commissioner in charge of Health & Consumer Policy, Tonio Borg, stated: "The entry into force of the full marketing ban gives an important signal on the value that Europe attaches to animal welfare". The Commission will continue supporting the development of "alternative methods" of research and to engage with third countries to follow our European approach". For the Commissioner, it constitutes "an example of responsible innovation in cosmetics without any compromise on consumer safety". The decision was taken after thorough assessment of the impacts of the marketing ban on industry. For the Commission "there are overriding reasons to implement it". This is in line "with what many European citizens believe firmly: that the development of cosmetics does not warrant animal testing". Rail transport for disabled and senior citizens Improving access to rail travel for persons with disabilities and passengers with reduced mobility, and those travelling with children is the object of a project for the harmonization of EU Member States’ regulations. Improving rail accessibility to people with disabilities (80 million according to estimates) is viewed as "an essential requirement for rail infrastructure when newly built, upgraded or renewed". For the Executive, the goal is to be achieved "by preventing or removing barriers and through other measures such as provision of assistance". The rules proposed by the Commission apply to infrastructure (e.g. obstacle-free routes, ticketing, information desks, toilets, visual and spoken information, platform width and height, and boarding aids) and to rail carriages (e.g. doors, toilets, wheelchair spaces, and information). Transport Commissioner Siim Kallas, said: "Making rail transport more accessible to everyone is at the heart of our strategy for a high-quality, sustainable transport system in Europe". It represents "the first in a series of actions by the Commission this year to further improve access to transport for people with disabilities and persons with reduced mobility in Europe". Kallas pointed out: "Having common rules on accessibility at EU level enhances and facilitates the travel experience across the EU of persons with disabilities and all those whose mobility is reduced, for example by the natural ageing process, temporary impairments due to accidents, or by travelling with children".Plastic waste, reducing environmental impact To undertake a debate at EU level to step up the sustainability of plastic products, from the manufacturing to the recycling phase, reducing the environmental impact of plastic waste: it is the target set out in the Green Paper published a few days ago by the EU Commission, which is also the object of an online public consultation that will last until the beginning of June 2013. The result will feed into further policy action in 2014 as part of a broader waste policy review. Environment Commissioner Janez Potoènik said: "Managing plastic waste is a major challenge in terms of environmental protection, but it’s also a huge opportunity for resource efficiency". In a "circular economy" where "high recycling rates offer solutions to material scarcity, I believe plastic has a future". All stakeholders (enterprises, experts, research centres, political authorities, citizens) "are thus invited to participate in this process of reflection on how to make plastic part of the solution rather than the problem". The Commission points out: "Once in the environment, particularly in the marine environment, plastic waste can persist for hundreds of years. Up to 10 million tons of litter, mostly plastic, end up in the world’s oceans and seas annually" turning them "into the world’s biggest plastic dump". The Commission continues: "Plastic is often perceived as a cheap and disposable material in our "throw-away" society, and recycling rates are low. Half of all plastic waste generated in Europe goes to landfill, which should be avoided as plastic can contain hazardous components and disposal can result in undesirable emissions and concentrated, polluting residues".
