"fosfatos" in English

As far as phosphates are concerned however there is still much to be done.

There is, in fact, only one major problem left, namely that of phosphates.

Germany, Italy and a number of other countries have banned phosphates in detergents.

I want to come back to the issue of phosphates, which was raised by a number of Members.

In Southern Europe, and unfortunately in Eastern Europe as well, phosphates are permitted.

Virtually the only precise measure is to prohibit the use of phosphates in detergents.

We know that detergents are a major source of phosphates.

Phosphates are the key question buried inside this proposal.

Has enough been done, in particular with regard to the issue of phosphates?

The system currently in force only bans dangerous substances and preparations, which is clearly inadequate.

Years ago, in the country which I know well, I proposed taxation on fertilisers high in phosphates.

We know that phosphates lead to serious eutrophication.

The arguments deserve careful attention, but we must also be aware of the benefits of phosphates.

Of course, detergents will not be the end of the story, and we have already declared war on phosphates.

I do feel, however, that the directive lacks ambition with regard to limiting phosphates in detergents.

For many years, attempts have been made to encourage the production of phosphate-free detergents.

Then we had the compromise on phosphates.

Another important point concerns phosphates.

In your country, for example, there are already substantial bans in place on the use of phosphates, as there are in mine.

The prospects of doing so are good if we can agree to put aside minor issues and concentrate on securing the main benefits.