Food Waste targets: EP adopts its position

On 13 March, the European Parliament adopted its position on the revision of the Waste Framework Directive (WFD) with 514 votes in favour, 20 against, and 91 abstentions. Here are key elements:

• MEPs agreed on higher targets to be reached at national level by 31 December 2030.  
• Food waste in retail, restaurants and households, should be reduced by at least 40% compared to the Commission’s 30% recommendation. 
• The targets should be weighted in comparison to an annual average between 2020 and 2022 differing from the initial baseline year 2020.
• The Parliament also calls on the Commission to evaluate the potential to introduce 2035 higher targets. 

Trilogue negotations with the EU Council and the European Commission will continue after the European elections in June 2024.