Vigenin: We have achieved more security for Bulgarian producers of rose and lavender oil

“We have achieved more security and predictability for Bulgarian producers of rose and lavender oil. We will safeguard competitiveness, access to the European market and the preservation of rose-growing traditions.” This was announced by Bulgarian MEP Kristian Vigenin from the Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament after the Committee on the Environment, Climate and Food Safety voted to approve the agreement reached in trilogue between the European Parliament, the Council of the EU and the European Commission on the so-called “Omnibus 6” on chemicals.

What the agreement changes

The agreement updates several European regulations, including the rules on cosmetic products and on the classification, labelling and packaging of chemicals. The aim is to make the requirements clearer, more workable and more predictable, while maintaining a high level of consumer protection. According to Vigenin, the new rules strengthen the safety requirements for cosmetic products and improve information for consumers in online sales.

As the Socialists and Democrats Group’s rapporteur on the file in the Committee on the Environment, Climate and Food Safety, Kristian Vigenin worked for a solution that combines the safety of cosmetic products with the real needs of European producers.

Substances of plant origin

In his words, the solution reached on substances of plant origin is particularly important for Bulgaria: “Bulgarian rose and lavender oils are natural products with a complex composition and are the basis of a traditional, internationally recognised industry.”

The agreement guarantees a scientific assessment of substances extracted from plants, as well as clearer rules for analysing possible alternatives. The European Commission is to develop practical guidelines in cooperation with the European Chemicals Agency, the Member States and stakeholders.

Next steps

“Today’s vote is the penultimate step towards the final adoption of the agreement by the European Parliament. This is a good result for consumers, the European cosmetics industry and Bulgarian producers of rose and lavender oil,” Kristian Vigenin commented.