Source: European Parliament
Priority question for written answer P-001769/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Jaroslava Pokorná Jermanová (PfE), Ondřej Knotek (PfE), Jana Nagyová (PfE), Klara Dostalova (PfE), Tomáš Kubín (PfE), Filip Turek (PfE), Jaroslav Bžoch (PfE), Veronika Vrecionová (ECR), Katarína Roth Neveďalová (NI), Jan Farský (PPE), Tomáš Zdechovský (PPE), Ondřej Krutílek (ECR), Danuše Nerudová (PPE)
We are writing to express our concern regarding the proposed near-total ban on the use of lead in ammunition under the REACH framework. While we acknowledge the importance of environmental and public health considerations, we urge the Commission to consider the significant strategic, industrial and security-related consequences that such a measure would have for the EU and its Member States.
The potential consequences of this ban are substantial. Industry estimates from 2021 (before the war in Ukraine) suggest that a lead ban without adequate transition measures could result in annual losses of up to EUR 4 billion, the loss of over 16 000 jobs across the European Economic Area and additional welfare costs exceeding EUR 1.4 billion.
Can the Commission therefore answer the following:
- 1.How does the Commission plan to compensate for or offset the projected industry and employment losses in the event that the lead ban is implemented as proposed?
- 2.What mechanisms will ensure that the Member States can maintain an uninterrupted, compatible supply of ammunition, especially in situations requiring rapid production scaling?
- 3.How will the Commission ensure that new dependencies on imported raw materials from third countries will not undermine the EU’s strategic autonomy and environmental goals?
Submitted: 30.4.2025