Members of the European Parliament Committee on Environment have reportedly put together a series of compromise amendments to the proposal on the sustainable use of pesticides in preparation for the vote on the report by Sarah Wiener (Greens/EFA, Austrian) on Tuesday 24 October. The votes promise to be close in the European Parliament’s committee, before the report is examined in plenary in November.
Around twenty compromise amendments were negotiated between several political groups in the European Parliament (Renew Europe, S&D, Greens/EFA, The Left), some of which tend to confirm the main objective proposed by the European Commission of reducing the use and risks of pesticides by at least 50% by 2030 compared to the average for the years 2013 to 2017 (2015-2017 in the Commission’s initial proposal). As far as the reference period is concerned, the European Parliament’s Committee on Agriculture had recommended the average from 2011 to 2013 (see EUROPE 13268/7).
The second target, for the most dangerous pesticides, is a 65% reduction in use by 2030. The rapporteur, Ms Wiener, had originally proposed an 80% reduction.
There are plans to increase sales of low-risk pesticides and biocontrol products to ensure that farmers are not left without a solution.
With regard to sensitive areas where pesticides would be banned, the amendments broaden the scope for exemptions from this ban.
Finally, Michèle Rivasi (Greens/EFA, French) welcomed the fact that provisions could be introduced to prevent substances banned in Europe from being exported by third countries to EU countries.
See the compromise amendments: https://aeur.eu/f/95m (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)