Miljø- og Fødevareudvalget 2015-16
MOF Alm.del Bilag 619
Offentligt
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The Consumer Voice in Europe
Mr. Esben Lunde Larsen
Minister for the Environment and
Food
Ministry of Environment and Food of
Denmark
Slotsholmsgade 12
DK-1260 Copenhagen V
Ref.: BEUC-L-2016-322/MGO/cm
15 September 2016
RE: European consumers need Danish Consumer Council THINK Chemicals
Dear Mr. Lunde Larsen,
On behalf of BEUC, The European Consumer Organisation, I write to highlight the
essential role Danish Consumer Council (DCC) THINK Chemicals plays for
consumers across Europe and to urge you to extend the Danish Government’s
financial support for DCC THINK Chemicals.
Since its establishment in 2014, DCC THINK Chemicals has been an invaluable
source of information on chemicals in consumer goods as well as a clear voice in
the European debate on how to better protect consumers against toxic chemicals.
Among DCC THINK Chemicals’ impressive achievements, I wish to emphasize that:
DCC THINK Chemicals’ 46 product tests have been widely disseminated
among consumer and environmental NGOs across Europe. Therefore, all EU
consumers benefit from THINK Chemicals’ important work.
DCC THINK Chemicals supports consumer organisations in other EU countries
to raise awareness about harmful chemicals such as endocrine disruptors
(EDCs), flame retardants or fluorinated substances. DCC THINK Chemicals for
example recently cooperated with BEUC’s Romanian member, APC, on a joint
test of harmful chemicals in deodorants. The test was covered by many
different news media, including national television, and sparked a national
debate on EDCs in Romania.
DCC THINK Chemicals actively engages decision-makers in the EU to raise
awareness about the consumer impact of chemicals. DCC THINK Chemicals’
work, especially test results, allows BEUC to bring clear evidence to the EU
institutions on how to better protect consumers against toxic chemicals.
DCC THINK Chemicals is an influential voice in the European debate on
endocrine-disrupting chemicals. DCC THINK Chemicals is for example an
active partner in the EDC-Free Europe coalition which brings together over 60
health, environmental and consumer groups, campaigning to reduce exposure
from endocrine-disrupting chemicals.
.../…
Bureau Européen des Unions de Consommateurs AISBL
|
Der Europäische Verbraucherverband
Rue d’Arlon 80, B-1040 Brussels
Tel. +32 (0)2 743 15 90
Fax +32 (0)2 740 28 02
[email protected]
www.beuc.eu
www.twitter.com/beuc
TVA: BE 0422 071 051
EC register for interest representatives: identification number 9505781573-45
 MOF, Alm.del - 2015-16 - Bilag 619: Kopi af henvendelse af 15/9-16 fra European Consumer Organisation til miljø- og fødevareministeren om støtte til TÆNK Kemi
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I am aware of your critical work at European level to protect consumers against
harmful chemicals, which BEUC applauds. However, as you know, the pace and
scope of EU chemicals policy is often frustratingly slow. Consumers therefore need
reliable information to guide them on how to avoid unwanted chemicals in their
everyday lives. DCC THINK Chemicals is among the most active consumer voices
providing such information to consumers in Denmark and across Europe.
Without the generous support of the Danish government this level of engagement
will not be possible. We are concerned that if your support is removed, consumers
across Europe would lose an invaluable source of independent advice on chemicals
in their lives, where they can be found and how they can be avoided.
I therefore strongly encourage you and the Danish government to continue your
financial support for Danish Consumer Council THINK Chemicals.
Yours sincerely,
Monique Goyens
BEUC, Director General
C/c: Members of the Danish Parliament’s standing committee on the Environment
and Food.