Incentivising rather than punishing Member States to cut the huge amount of food and textile waste in the European Union is the right way forward, ECR MEP Anna Zalewska said today as Parliament adopted her report on updating the Waste Framework Directive (WFD)

The report reflects a trilogue agreement reached earlier this year to expand the scope of the WFD to cover food and textile waste.

“My goal all along was to ensure a significant reduction in waste, while at the same time ensuring a realistic and proportionate approach to how it’s done,” Ms Zalewska said.

“The targets introduced are manageable for Member States. They’re not based on penalties but on supporting authorities to take positive actions.”

Ms Zalewska welcomed the way in which MEPs followed her lead to ensure the proposed adjustments to the law do not impose unnecessary bureaucratic burdens.

“We’ve managed to set a good example of how environmental concerns can be wisely combined with simplified legislation that reduces bureaucracy.

“Parliament’s insistence to exclude farmers and micro-businesses from the scope of the law is a fair outcome that avoids punishing those least deserving of it.

“We’ve also strengthened the position of farmers in relation to unfair practices by supermarket operators, such as last-minute cancellations of orders for fresh produce or discrimination against so-called ugly fruit and vegetables,” Ms Zalewska said.