We are delighted to invite you to a dinner which will be held on Tuesday, 20th of May at 18.30 at the Member Salon of the European Parliament.
The event will consist of a dinner debate on the importance of ethanol’s applications in Europe and worldwide and on its unparalleled broad-spectrum disinfection capabilities in various aspects of the human activity and its role in controlling infections, especially for non-enveloped viruses.
This event will also be a timely opportunity to shed light on the risk of ethanol’s reclassification as a carcinogen, mutagen or reprotoxic (CMR) chemical that could lead to a de facto ban on its use.
The event will showcase the perspectives of institutional and industry stakeholders on ethanol’s role in EU citizens’ daily lives and its contribution to the European economy’s competitiveness.
This event is kindly hosted by Christine Singer MEP.
Speakers and further details will be announced in due course, however, we are publishing this event now to ensure you save the date.
Please kindly note that this event is by invitation only.
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About the debate
Ethanol (ethyl alcohol) is a widely used natural and versatile ingredient in consumer products and for professional applications. It is known particularly for its disinfecting properties and in the cleaning and maintenance products industry, it is an essential ingredient in hand and surface disinfectants. As such, its applications are very wide ranging in industries such as the healthcare, food and pharmaceutical sectors where it is crucial for hygiene and human health.
The use of ethanol in disinfectants and skin repellents such as insecticides has long been a cornerstone in countless health applications in Europe and worldwide. From detergents to biocides, it safeguards surfaces and skin with minimal risks while providing unparalleled broad-spectrum disinfection. Its proven efficacy in defeating bacteria, viruses and fungi made it a vital contributor to the global battle against SARS-CoV-2, where ethanol-based hand sanitisers became vital tools in controlling healthcare-associated infections across Europe and beyond.
Did you know that healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) cause 90,000 deaths annually in the EU, costing the region €7 billion per year? Ethanol is the most effective and available disinfectant against HAIs and there is no viable alternative. No other substance can match ethanol’s efficacy in infection control especially for non-enveloped viruses like polio. Alternatives, such as propanol, are less effective and harsher on the skin.
Ethanol-based biocides have been used safely in healthcare, food, life sciences and hospitality industries for many years. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends ethanol-based hand sanitisers as ‘the gold standard for hand hygiene in healthcare’ and in March 2020, WHO launched the “Safe Hands Challenge” widely promoting the use of hand sanitisers to fight COVID-19.
As the EU continues to prioritise health, safety and sustainability, the responsible production and use of ethanol remains vital. Indeed, ethanol can be produced from renewable sources, is fully biodegradable, leaves no residue, evaporates rapidly and is more sustainable than alternatives.
Despite its crucial role, a looming threat now casts a shadow over ethanol’s use namely its reclassification as a carcinogen, mutagen or reprotoxic (CMR) chemical that could lead to a de facto ban on its use. As the Biocidal Products Committee (BPC) is set to decide on the reclassification of ethanol as a disinfectant in the second half of 2025, the final decision will rest with the European Commission. This uncertainty has raised growing concerns about the potential impact on the availability of ethanol on the EU market.
Ethanol’s reclassification would have massive consequences on the competitiveness of Europe’s industry and on public health in general – competitiveness is fundamental for fostering innovation and economic growth. Ethanol is critical for our health and the competitiveness of Europe’s industry.
Please note that the reception will start at 18.00, while the event will commence at 18.30 and will last until around 20.30.
The discussion will take place in the Salon at the Member Salon situated on the ground floor of the Altiero Spinelli building.
Those who do not have a badge to access the European Parliament’s premises are kindly invited to arrive at the Altiero Spinelli entrance (opposite Europe Station, in front of Place Luxembourg) at no later than 17.30.
We look forward to welcoming you to the European Parliament Member Salon on the 20th of May 2025.
