The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has announced its comprehensive strategy for the years 2024-2028, emphasizing an enhanced commitment to chemical safety, environmental protection, and sustainable growth. This announcement comes at a crucial time as the EU grapples with challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.
Expanding Mandate for a Safer Future
Under the new strategy, ECHA outlines an expansion of its legal mandate, primarily influenced by the Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability and the EU Green Deal. The agency reaffirms its dedication to health and environmental protection while promoting the free circulation of substances in the internal market, fostering competitiveness, innovation, and alternatives to animal testing.
Enhancing Transparency and Supporting SMEs
A key priority for ECHA is to maintain high standards of transparency and independence in its scientific opinions and decisions. The agency recognizes the need to provide necessary tools, advice, and support to the industry, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), to help them comply with legal obligations.
Building on a Foundation of Expertise and Cooperation
Since its establishment in 2007, ECHA has developed a wealth of expertise, data, and knowledge. The agency plans to build on this foundation, emphasizing the importance of cooperation with the Commission, Member States, and other stakeholders to achieve impactful and tangible outcomes, thereby increasing public trust in chemical safety.
Investing in People and Systems
The strategy highlights the need to invest in ECHA's staff and organizational structures. This includes enhancing information systems, IT infrastructure, and tools to maximize the potential of both ECHA personnel and its partners.
Goals and Priorities for the Next Four Years
The strategy sets out specific goals:
- Transparent and High-Quality Scientific Outputs: Focusing on delivering transparent, independent scientific advice and decisions.
- Responding to Emerging Challenges: Preparing for new tasks and informing EU chemical and environmental policies, adapting to legal changes.
- Deepening Engagement and Collaboration: Strengthening connections with EU institutions, agencies, Member States, and industry, particularly addressing SME needs.
- Leading in Chemical Knowledge and Expertise: Advancing knowledge on chemical safety and promoting alternative methods for hazard and risk assessment.
- Organizational Excellence: Investing in people and creating efficient, sustainable working models, with a focus on digital transformation.
Looking Forward
ECHA's strategy for 2024-2028 sets a clear path for the agency, reflecting its commitment to health, environment, and sustainable growth. The agency looks forward to collaborating with staff, partners, and stakeholders to implement these ambitious goals, enhancing EU chemical safety and contributing to broader environmental policies.
