EUROPE’S TOXIC-FREE CHOICE Actions for a more circular and resilient economy, better quality of life and hope for

As we look towards the 2024-2029 mandate, the EU must commit to a toxic-free and socially just green transition and support the European industry in leading the way in the innovation of clean and non-toxic chemicals, products, and practices. [...] To enable the transition to a circular and more resilient EU economy, it will be crucial to restrict the use of all the most harmful chemicals in consumer products by 2030 through a more effective REACH and products’ policy framework. [...] 2 To strengthen access to justice and accountability, the EU should: • Introduce and implement the polluter pays principle as part of the REACH revision by introducing harmonised access to justice mechanisms and establishing explicit legal requirements, such as imposing additional fees to registrants and users of substances of very high concern. [...] The EU must rigorously implement Article 191(1) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU, in particular: the “Union policy on the environment shall aim at a high level of protection taking into account the diversity of situations in the various regions of the Union. [...] • Making the regulatory framework inclusive and transparent, implementing the right to know, including citizens’ voices and concerns during the decision-making process, and ensuring that corporate interests are not favoured at the expense of health and environmental protection.