New initiative by Community institutions to significantly reduce the use of herbicides and pesticides in Union countries. European Parliament Environment Committee approved reduce the use and risk of all chemical pesticides at least 50% increase from now to 2030 and up to 65% increase in the use of the “most dangerous” productsAccording to the average of the 2015-2017 period.
In the text adopted this week with 47 votes in favour, 37 against and 2 abstentions, MPs argue the following: each Member State to adopt national targets and strategies According to the items sold per year, the level of danger and the size of the agricultural area.
From that base, The European Commission will be responsible for verifying whether the national targets implemented are more ambitious To achieve the EU’s 2030 targets.
Maximizing the impact of national strategies, Member States will also need to apply special rules for at least five products where reductions in the use of chemical pesticides will have a greater impact.
Ban pesticides in sensitive areas
Apart from this, MEPs want the use of chemical pesticides to be banned, except for those permitted for organic agriculture and biological control. in sensitive areas and within the buffer zone five metres, as are parks, playgrounds, recreation areas, public roads and all urban green spaces, including areas in the Natura 2000 network.
EU countries must ensure the use of chemical pesticides used only as a last resort As established by Integrated Pest Management.
They want the Commission to set an EU target for 2030 to better equip farmers with substitutes. Increasing sales of low-risk pesticides Six months after the regulation came into force.
The Commission should also evaluate methodologies. Speed up permitting for low-risk pesticides and biological controlBecause the current long procedures pose a major obstacle to the adoption of this law.
Furthermore, by December 2025, the Community Administration must examine the differences in pesticide use in imported agricultural and agri-food products compared to EU products and, if necessary, propose measures in this regard. ensuring imports meet equivalent EU standards and the export of pesticides not approved within the framework of the community will be banned.
Parliament is scheduled to adopt the mandate at its plenary session between 20 and 23 November, after which it will be ready to begin negotiations with EU Member States.
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