The committee calls on the Council of Ministers to adopt a resolution on the EU's approach to using the precautionary principle by the end of this year. It wants clearer guidelines on the application of the principle, believing it should be invoked whenever, as a result of incomplete, inconclusive or uncertain scientific information, there are reasonable grounds for concern that the environment or human, animal or plant health may suffer. The committee's resolution covers not only the definition and scope of the precautionary principle but also risk assessment, risk management and the burden of proof.
Adoption in plenary is scheduled for the December part-session in Strasbourg.