The 11th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Stockholm Convention (SC-COP-11) marked a significant milestone with the adoption of a compliance mechanism, after more than 15 years of negotiations. This mechanism reflects the important objectives of the European Union (EU) and facilitates compliance with the Convention's regulations. In addition, SC-COP-11 agreed to list three additional persistent organic pollutants (POPs): methoxychlor, dechlorane plus, and UV-328.

Furthermore, the Basel Convention COP16 (BC-COP16) adopted technical guidelines on POPs waste and on the environmentally sound management of plastic waste, providing countries with improved tools for managing this kind of waste globally. Decisions were also reached on the development of Best Available Techniques (BAT) and Best Environmental Practices (BEP) to reduce or eliminate releases from unintentional production, the elimination of polychlorinated biphenyls, and measures to reduce or eliminate releases from wastes. Other decisions were adopted on reporting obligations, national implementation plans, and the effectiveness evaluation of the Convention, including the global monitoring plan.

The Rotterdam Convention COP11 (RC-COP11) decided to add the pesticide terbufos to Annex III of the Convention, subjecting it to the Prior Informed Consent (PIC) procedure. This allows countries to make informed decisions regarding future imports of these chemicals into their territories.

While the Triple COP achieved significant progress, some challenges persisted. Parties were unable to reach a consensus on listing chemicals such as chrysotile asbestos, acetochlor, carbosulfan, fenthion-containing severely hazardous pesticide formulations, and paraquat-containing formulations. Several parties raised concerns and objections, which fell outside the scope of the Convention or ignored the established rules and procedures. Despite this, the majority of parties expressed support for improving the listing of chemicals under the Rotterdam Convention, highlighting the ongoing relevance and effectiveness of the Convention.

The conferences also emphasised the importance of cooperation among the three Conventions, resulting in the adoption of several joint decisions on topics such as illegal trade and traffic of chemicals and waste, science-to-action, and gender mainstreaming. Additionally, the Triple COP agreed on a Technical Assistance and Financial Mechanism plan to support effective implementation and enforcement of the Conventions at all levels.

The EU played a significant role throughout the Triple COP, contributing to positive outcomes in various areas, such as guidelines adoption, work on waste batteries, e-waste and waste containing persistent organic pollutants. The EU's support for the programme of work and budget for the biennium 2024-2025 ensures the availability of necessary resources for the proper implementation of the Conventions.

Looking ahead, elections for the Stockholm Convention compliance committee will be held at the next COP in two years, allowing the committee to begin its work. Further discussions with like-minded parties on the listing of chemicals under the Rotterdam Convention will continue, with the aim of achieving a positive outcome in the future. Current COP decisions listing chemicals will need to be implemented by the EU through the adoption of delegated acts (POPs and PIC Regulations). Key topics under the Basel Convention, including the review of annexes, the improvement of shipment procedures and POP waste, will be discussed with relevant parties.

Furthermore, a new Memorandum of Understanding between the United Nations Environment Programme and the BRS-COP has been accepted, paving the way for improved collaboration across multilateral environmental agreements.

More information:

• Meetings documents
• Press release