Explosives precursors are chemical substances which can be misused to manufacture home-made explosives. In 2013, recognising the threat posed by these substances to public security, Regulation EU 98/2013 on the marketing and use of explosives precursors was adopted to enhance security against terrorism. The 2015 European Agenda on Security also reflects the importance of taking action at EU level to reduce access to these dangerous chemical substances.
Despite the restrictions and controls introduced under the Regulation, regulated explosives precursor substances and mixtures continue to be accessed by individuals and groups that aim to carry out terrorist attacks in Europe.
In a 2017 report on the application of the Regulation, the Commission concluded that the Regulation’s entry into force helped reduce access to dangerous explosive precursors. The report adds, however, that changes to the Regulation should be considered in order to increase the capacity of all those involved in implementing and enforcing the restrictions and controls on precursors. With this in mind, the Commission has committed to carefully evaluating the effectiveness and efficiency of the Regulation and assessing the impact of possible new and strengthened measures.
By Lucasmartin2 (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
EuCheMS submitted a response, prepared by EuCheMS Food Chemistry Network, to this open consultation, calling for more research to determine safe limits. You can read its complete statement on our website: http://www.euchems.eu/.
Trans fats are a particular type of unsaturated fats that are present in foods in the EU and whose consumption increases the risk of Coronary Heart Disease more than any other nutrient. Trans fats can be produced industrially and can also be naturally present in food products derived from ruminant animals such as dairy products or meat from cattle, sheep or goat.
The European Commission is currently carrying out an Impact Assessment on a possible EU-based initiative to limit intakes of industrial trans fats in the diet of EU consumers, such as to limit industrial trans fats content in food through self-regulation or through a legally-binding measure, to introduce mandatory labelling of the trans fats content of foods on food labels or to prohibit the use of partly hydrogenated oils, which are the main source of industrial trans fats, in foods manufacturing/preparation through self-regulation or through a legally-binding measure.
The aim of the European Year of Cultural Heritage is to encourage more people to discover and engage with Europe’s cultural heritage and to reinforce a sense of belonging to a common European space. Throughout this year, we will celebrate our diverse cultural heritage across Europe, at EU, national, regional and local level. EuCheMS is adding a piece to this European mosaic with its first-ever EuCheMS Historical Landmark. The call for EuCheMS Historical Landmark is open until 30 April 2018.
Supporting the chemical sciences is a task that countless people carry-on every day, from the researcher trying to solve the energy problem, to the policy-maker who includes scientific advice in his or her policy decisions, from the secondary school chemistry teacher who awakens the passion for the periodic table to the common citizen who likes to stay aware about chemistry and subscribes to EuCheMS newsletters.
For those who have the financial means to support the work of EuCheMS in promoting the chemical sciences, we now also offer the change for you to become a friend of EuCheMS. In order to contribute, simply click on the donate button below to donate 25€ or more.
You must be logged in to post a comment.