EU is failing to cut pesticide use

"“Without these changes, we risk pollinators and the ecosystem collapse, which will have impacts on food security and food prices,” Stella Kyriakides, the former EU commissioner for health and food safety, said at the time."

"“the link between pesticide use and the impact it has on human health.” Manon Rouby from Pesticide Action Network (PAN) International says it undermines “the link between pesticide use and the impact it has on human health.”"

"The EU's efforts to curb the use of pesticides date back to at least 2009, when the union adopted the first directive promoting sustainable practices. It suggested the substances only be used as a last resort. But the results were limited. In 2020, the European Court of Auditors concluded that the policy rollout was failing to achieve reduction goals. This finding prompted the EU Commission to first propose the 50% compulsory cut up for vote in 2023."

"Both at that time and since, the EU remains among the top ten global pesticide users among countries with major croplands. And that is despite a 18% drop compared to 2015 based on FAO estimates. But it's a different picture at a national level. As there is no co"

The EU previously pursued pesticide curbs, starting with a 2009 directive promoting sustainable practices and last-resort use. Results were limited, and in 2020 the European Court of Auditors found the policy rollout failed to meet reduction goals. In 2023 the EU Commission proposed a binding 50% reduction by 2030 using the 2015–2017 average as a baseline. Despite an 18% drop since 2015 based on FAO estimates, the EU remains among the top ten global pesticide users for major croplands. National patterns vary, and the EU has since shelved the mandatory reduction regulation. The executive body is now considering approving most pesticides permanently, which campaign groups oppose for weakening connections between pesticide use and human health impacts.

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