The first results from two harmonised risk indicators established by the European Commission under the Sustainable Use of Pesticides Directive (2009/128/EC) are mixed (see EUROPE 12181/6).
Released on Friday 15 November, they show that the risks associated with pesticides have decreased since the directive came into force in 2011 - an “encouraging” trend, according to the institution. On the other hand, the extensive use of derogations by Member States has increased considerably, and that is where the problem lies.
Indicator I, which measures the risks associated with plant protection products sold and therefore used in the EU (quantities of active substances placed on the market in kg or cumulative tonnes as a weighted average), shows a 20% reduction between 2011 and 2017.
Indicator II, based on the number of emergency authorisations granted by Member States for active substances that are banned or subject to restrictions on use, confirms an increase of 50% over the same period.
Under the European Regulation on the marketing authorisation of pharmaceutical products (EC 1107/2009), essential use exemptions are allowed for up to 120 days, but only for limited and controlled use, in order to contain a harmful organism that cannot be controlled by any other reasonable means. The European Commission has already denounced the abusive use of this article and has written to Member States that make excessive use of it.
According to the institution, the results of this second indicator highlight two obligations for Member States: - broadening the range of plant protection products authorised on a regular basis and available to producers; - broadening the range of pest control techniques to reduce their dependence on pesticides.
A second report on the sustainable use of pesticides in the EU is expected in early 2020. It will provide a more detailed overview of the implementation of the Directive by Member States and the progress made since the 2017 report. (Original version in French by Aminata Niang)