EU Parliament’s Environment Committee adopts position on Waste Framework Directive

15 February 2024

On Wednesday, the Environment Committee MEPs adopted their position on the proposed Waste Framework Directive revision, setting more ambitious targets for reducing food waste. The position was adopted with 72 votes in favor, none against, and three abstentions.

Their proposals include a minimum of 20% reduction in food processing and manufacturing (up from 10%) and 40% per capita reduction in retail, restaurants, food services, and households (up from 30%) compared to the average between 2020 and 2022. Member states must ensure these targets are met nationally by December 31, 2030. Additionally, MEPs suggest evaluating higher targets for 2035 (at least 30% and 50% respectively).

Rapporteur Anna Zalewska (ECR, PL) commented: “We provide focused solutions to reduce food waste, such as promoting “ugly” fruits and veggies, keeping an eye on unfair market practices, clarifying date labelling and donating unsold-but-consumable food.”

The next step is a full house vote during the March 2024 plenary session. After the European elections on June 6-9, the new Parliament will continue reviewing the file.

At SAFE we are glad that the text includes some of the recommendations we formulated within the Prevent Waste Coalition. But on the other hand, we are very disappointed by the fact that food losses were not considered.