On Thursday, 13 September 2018, European Parliament adopted a new resolution on antimicrobial resistance.
In the non-binding resolution, adopted with 589 votes to 12 and 36 abstentions, MEPs stressed that the correct and prudent use of antimicrobials is essential to limit antimicrobial resistance (AMR) from emerging in human healthcare, animal husbandry and aquaculture.
In addition, MEPs highlighted that the food chain and the environment also need to be taken into account, as they are potential sources of resistant microorganisms.
MEPs call on the EU Commission and member states to restrict the sale of antibiotics by human and animal health professionals, and to remove any incentives for prescribing them.
The European Commission should draft an EU priority pathogen list for both humans and animals, clearly setting future R&D priorities. Incentives should be created to stimulate investment in new substances.
MEPs also said that the Commission should create a single system for labelling, based on animal welfare standards and good animal husbandry practices.