The debate at the level of the Committee of Permanent Representatives of the Member States to the EU (Coreper) on Wednesday 16 November showed that a large majority of delegations want the European Commission to provide an additional impact assessment regarding the proposal on the sustainable use of pesticides.
19 EU Member States are reported to have voted in Coreper in favour of an EU Council decision requesting additional items for an impact assessment on this sensitive dossier. The Czech Presidency of the EU Council plans to present a report on the state of negotiations in December (see EUROPE 13029/1).
In addition, all delegations want the discussions on pesticides to continue at technical level in the EU Council, provided that they do not cover those issues upon which they require more data from the European Commission.
In addition, on Tuesday 15 November, the Commission presented a non-paper, seen by EUROPE, in which it accepts concessions on the controversial issue of sensitive areas. It has proposed moving from a total ban on pesticides in sensitive areas (Natura 2000, public parks and gardens, etc.) to imposing restrictions on the use of less dangerous pesticides. The European Commission has also suggested allowing most pesticides in agriculture to be used in environmentally sensitive areas.
A large majority in the EU Council had protested against a ban on pesticides in sensitive areas. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)