The ambassadors of the 27 EU countries did not make a decision on the new pesticide legislation. The vote was removed from the agenda because insufficient support for the compromise was expected. As a result, it remains unclear for the time being when the EU countries will be able to adopt a common position.
Delay
The European Commission wants to accelerate innovation while simultaneously reducing administrative rules. The lack of agreement on the entire package is thus also delaying the approval of new agents. This approach fits within a broader European agricultural strategy in which innovation, research, and more sustainable food production toward 2040 play an important role.
Brussels wants to speed up changes in agriculture and make new solutions available sooner. According to these plans, new technologies and innovative solutions should move more quickly from research into everyday agricultural practice. With this, the EU also aims to strengthen the competitiveness of the European agriculture and food sector.
Promotion
Urgent letter
Contrary to this desire for acceleration are concerns about the consequences of more flexible rules. Hundreds of European scientists warn in an open letter of possible risks to biodiversity, health, and the independence of scientific research. They want decisions to continue to be based on independent scientific evidence.
Environmental organizations also oppose the proposed relaxation. They call on citizens and politicians to maintain existing protections for people, nature, and water. As a result, the discussion increasingly centers around how faster innovation can be combined with adequate protection of health and the environment.
After the fact
During the negotiations, the Netherlands insisted on the introduction of a warning system for cases where it later appears that an approved substance is more harmful than initially assumed.
The European Parliament is also working on its own position. Proposals there are also causing debate. Even if the EU countries do eventually reach an agreement, the legislation will not yet be final. After that, the Council, European Parliament, and European Commission must continue negotiating on the final rules.