Photo : REUTERS/Sarah Meyssonnier
11 January 2022, Tuesday | NIAS Europe Daily Brief #95
IN FOCUS
By Padmashree Anandhan
Pan-European Ink Ban: What does it mean for the Tattoo industry?
On 03 December, The EU announced a ban on tattoo ink due to the hazardous effect of the chemicals and substances used in the colouring inks. EU tattoo artists criticized the ban as their business had taken a toll in the pandemic. With the new restrictions in place, tattoos will now lack the vibrancy customers desire.
The ban on hazardous chemicals
The first move towards the tattoo ink ban was taken by former Germany’s consumer affairs Minister Christian Schmidt, who launched an awareness campaign for the public in 2016 known as “Safer Tattoo”. It included members of Germany’s Federal Tattoo Association (BVT) in Berlin. He called for protocols across europe on the chemicals in tattoo inks and urged for better hygienic standards.
The EU found that 54 million people were tattooed across the region, out of the 54 million up to 12 percent comprised of adults and twice the percentage were young adults who had a tattoo. In Germany, every one in five people are predicted to have a tattoo, and close to 500,000 new tattoos have been recorded every year by the Belgian government. The ban will form part of the EU regulation on Chemicals under Reach (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals) passed in 2020, where around 4,000 similar chemicals such as azo dyes and isopropanol alcohol stand restricted. Usage of these inks can cause severe health issues like cancer, chronic allergic reaction, and inflammatory skin reactions. Hence through Reach, the EU directs the tattoo artists to opt for safer alternatives in place of harmful chemicals.
The primary issue behind the complaints of the tattoo artist is the unavailability of safer alternatives to Blue 15:3 and Green 7 colours. While other options to yellow, red, and orange colour pigments are available, without blue and green, it is feared that 60 percent of the coloured tattoo cannot be designed. The ban has led to frustration and irritation amongst the tattoo artists in the EU.
The UK’s take on the law
The ban does not apply to the UK as the EU passed the law after Brexit. However, the government has asked the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to investigate the health risks associated with the use of tattoo inks. According to a spokesperson from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), the UK Reach allows the government to make its own decision when it comes to regulating the chemicals. The Defra handles the UK’s Reach and the regulation is done based on the scientific evidence, upon which the issue will be considered for restrictions.
Future of Tattoo industry in the EU
First, fear amongst tattoo artists. There are 175,000 artists all over the EU, and the ban has invoked fear and anger amongst everyone. Despite a year given to prepare for the ban, there is complete rejection from the EU tattoo industry. They have argued that the direct link between tattoo ink and cancer is not entirely proven. The new restrictions are said to destroy their business, promote illegal ink supplies and give rise to the black market.
Second, possible alternatives. Although the European Commission has announced support measures to help small and mid-size firms, many individuals are trying to find alternatives that can be labelled safe under Reach. For example, a biomedical engineering professor, Carson Bruns from the University of Boulder, has found a way to produce blue pigments using nanotechnology, which does not contain banned chemicals listed in Reach.
Third, people’s stance. The ban does not seem to affect the interest of tattoo enthusiasts. Few have expressed that they would still prefer to get a coloured tattoo. On the other hand, it does not change the market condition for black and white tattooing. This shows the lack of awareness amongst the people on the effects of tattoos.
References:
“New EU ink rules force tattoo artists to change their spots,” Deutsche Welle, 07 January 2022.
“Europe's tattoo artists fear for future after EU ink ban,” BBC, 06 January 2022.
Lisa O'Carroll, “UK to investigate tattoo ink health risks after EU ban,” The Guardian, 05 January 2022.
“German minister pushes for stricter rules in the tattoo industry,” Deutsche Welle, 29 June 2016.
IN BRIEF
By Ashwin Dhanabalan and Joeana Cera Matthews
KAZAKHSTAN
Parliament elects new Prime Minister; Putin comments on protests
On 11 January, Alikhan Smailov was appointed as the new Prime Minister of Kazakhstan after the parliament election on the same. Smailov held the post of the country’s finance minister from 2018 to 2020. The appointment followed President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev dissolving the Cabinet due to the protests in the country. Commenting on the presence of foreign troops, Tokayev said: “The main mission of the CSTO (Collective Security Treaty Organization) troops has been completed.” The Russian President Vladimir Putin stated: “The events in Kazakhstan are not the first and far from the last attempt to interfere in the internal affairs of our states from the outside.” (Louis Westendarp, “Kazakhstan gets new prime minister, with foreign troops set to leave,” POLITICO, 11 January 2022)
REGIONAL
European Parliament President Sassoli dies at 65
On 11 January, European Parliament President David Sassoli died at the age of 65. A former Italian journalist, center-left politician, and television newsreader, Sassoli became the President of the European Parliament in July 2019. The European Council President Charles Michel, in Sassoli's memory, described him as a "sincere and passionate European". He also said: "We already miss his human warmth, his generosity, his friendliness and his smile." Sassoli had been working remotely as he had a severe case of pneumonia in September 2021. He had resumed his political duties in November 2021 but was again hospitalized on 26 December 2021. The European Parliament had already planned to elect a replacement for him earlier this month as his term was coming to an end, and he did not seek a re-election. ("David Sassoli: European Parliament president dies aged 65," BBC, 11 January 2022; "David Sassoli: European Parliament President dies at 65, spokesman says," Euronews, 11 January 2022)
German and Italian diplomats meet to discuss Russia-Ukraine tensions
On 10 January, Germany's Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock met with her Italian counterpart Luigi Di Maio to discuss the EU's approach to Russian actions near the Ukrainian border. Both the countries also decided to cooperate and work together to tackle the pandemic and climate change issues. Baerbock, on the topic of the Russia-Ukraine tensions, said: "One thing is clear: the only way out of the crisis is through dialogue. And it is equally clear that a renewed violation of Ukrainian sovereignty by Russia will have serious consequences." She also spoke about the unrest in Kazakhstan and warned that the country’s dependence on Russia and China could have implications on Europe. As reported by Deutsche Welle: "Baerbock and Di Maio also visited a coronavirus vaccination center in Rome where doctors and medical staff have been administering jabs seven days a week since January 2021." ("Russia tops agenda on German foreign minister's Italy trip," Deutsche Welle. 10 January 2022)
Geneva Talks: Sherman and Ryabkov discuss Ukrainian border tensions
On 10 January, the US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman and Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov held talks in Geneva to de-escalate tensions on the Ukrainian border. Concerning the de-escalation of troop build-up by Moscow, Sherman said: "I don't think we know the answer to that. We made it very clear that it's very hard to have constructive, productive and successful diplomacy without de-escalation." Other statements from the US delegation included concerns on whether the Russians would “enter those meetings in good faith," as they felt the Kremlin was looking for chances to declare a failure in negotiations. ("Russia and US hold tense talks on Ukraine crisis," Deutsche Welle. 10 January 2022; James Landale, "Ukraine crisis: Why Russia-US talks may prove crucial," BBC, 10 January 2022)
CLIMATE-CHANGE
EU satellite data reveals the last septennium to be the hottest
On 10 January, the EU's satellite system revealed new data that the last seven years had been the hottest since the beginning of its record-keeping. The EU’s Earth observation program Copernicus Climate Change Service said 2021 was the fifth warmest year and many regions had crossed record-breaking temperatures. The Program Director Carlo Buontempo said: "These events are a stark reminder of the need to change our ways, take decisive and effective steps toward a sustainable society, and work towards reducing net carbon emissions." The summer of 2021 was Europe's warmest, with wildfires that burnt almost entire towns to the ground affecting the wildlife and taking human casualties. The increase in warming gases is another contributing factor to climate change. Director of the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service Vincent-Henri Peuch commented on the same, saying: "The increasing concentrations of these gases showed no signs of slowing down." Scientists have also warned of the increase in methane levels which is more harmful to the Earth's atmosphere. (Georgina Rannard, "Past seven years hottest on record - EU satellite data," BBC, 10 January 2022)