EU Commission stays out of US contraceptive destruction row
Aid groups warn the loss could leave 1.4 million African women without contraception
The European Commission will not step in to stop the destruction of €10 million in USAID-funded contraceptives, despite pressure from NGOs and MEPs, several internal sources said.
The supplies, which are still usable, were part of the US Agency for International Development (USAID), much of which has been dismantled since US President Donald Trump returned to the White House in January.
According to Commission sources, it is now up to Belgium, where the stock was stored, and France, where it is to be destroyed, to find a solution. They added that there are “no signs” of any upcoming EU action.
“The Commission cannot do anything; it is up to the member states to act,” said one source to Euractiv. When asked last week, the Commission told Euractiv that it was “closely monitoring” developments.
Several MEPs, including French Green lawmaker Mélissa Camara, have been pressing the Commission since media revealed on 23 July that the stock was facing destruction, but have received no reply.
Acting on the stock would place the Commission in a delicate position, as it faces pressure from civil society and MEPs while seeking to avoid antagonising Donald Trump amid threats of a trade war and the war in Ukraine.
Discussions still ongoing
According to diplomatic and NGO sources, including the French Family Planning Association, at least some of the stock has been shipped to France for incineration, although the location has not been confirmed. Major waste firms Veolia and ENGIE have denied involvement.
On 11 August, Belgium’s foreign ministry told Euractiv that it was exploring “all possible avenues to avoid the destruction of these products, including temporary relocation solutions.”
“To avoid jeopardising the outcome of the discussions, we are not in a position to provide further information,” a ministry spokesperson said, suggesting not all stocks have been destroyed.
“Our message now is, ‘prove to us that the stocks still exist,’” said Sarah Durocher, president of the French Family Planning association.
On 1 August, France’s health ministry said it had no authority over the case, noting that requisition is only possible in the event of a shortage, which is not the case in France.
The International Planned Parenthood Federation says the destruction could deprive 1.4 million women and girls in Africa of contraception. The Reproductive Health Supplies Coalition estimates it could lead to 174,000 unintended pregnancies and 56,000 unsafe abortions.
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