Monday
'RETURN TO A RATIONAL DEBATE'

Monday the 25 th of October, the workshop on REACH impact assessments started. Firstly, the Dutch minister for Foreign Trade, Mrs. Karien van Gennip, highlighted the objectives of REACH: •  Protection of human health and environment. •  Maintenance and enhancement of the competitiveness of the EU     chemical industry. •  Promotion of non-animal testing. •  Conformity with EU international obligations under the WTO.

She challenged the participants to come up with creative ideas to show the world Europe cares for both environment and industry. "Yes, REACH at first will lead to substantial costs, but in the end the benefits will be less incidents and less costs. Please be creative about the cost reduction. It is essential for political support..."
She concluded her speech by stating that it was encouraging to encounter the positive views from the delegates.

Due to the open atmosphere in the afternoon, participants could freely give their views on the subject. On Monday, lots of people complimented Mr. Bart Witmond and his team in preparing the comprehensive overview of 36 studies. All participants appreciated the summarized version. Witmond concluded that is difficult to calculate benefits for society. The benefits can amount to tens of billions. The studies also show great variety in costs. Direct costs are (relatively) clear, estimated at approx. 4 bln. Indirect costs differ greatly. The European Commission estimates some 3 bln; the German study estimates 42-51 bln and great job loss..." These subjects will be dealt with on Tuesday.

Patrick Hennessy of the European Commission took us down the road that REACH had already taken. The Commission values the on-going dialogue with stakeholders. Hennessy emphasized that, in his opinion, this workshop mainly revolves around getting important insights, but not answering all of them. He advises on further investigation on substance withdrawal, innovation and the impact on new member states. He had a plea for the delegates: "Opinion doesn't count in this, we have to rely on facts. I urge you to use sober comments. We have a need for consensus."

At the end of the first day, representatives of UNICE and Cefic and on the other hand WWF and EEB explained their views on REACH. Especially the words of Michael Warhurst were provoking. "REACH is weak and I'm afraid it will be even more limited by amendments." He valued the studies that have been presented as misleading, inaccurate and exaggerated (for political effect).
He stressed that REACH had had more impact assessments than any other policy. Now it is time to focus on ensuring that environment and health benefits are maximized and we should return to a rational debate.
Stating the subjects for Tuesday concluded the first day.

Keep industry in mind!
Chris Buijink, director general for Enterprise and Innovation at the Dutch department of Economic Affairs was one of the hosts of the delegates on Monday night. "REACH is a presidency priority. That's why two members of cabinet were invited to this workshop. You have met Mrs Karien van Gennip, Minister of Foreign Trade; she opened the workshop. Wednesday you will meet Mr Pieter van Geel, State secretary of the department for the Environment. The recommendations and conclusions of the workshop will be presented to him. The workshop will be closed by a press conference.
REACH's biggest challenge will be a lack of consideration for industry. To preserve the competitive position of our industries, they should be given the right starting points. I must say REACH has started off in a more thorough way than other legislation. With the extensive impact studies we promote the implementation of REACH in the most sensible way. With a workshop like this one we are in control of making it a success."