The European Commission has proposed simplifying the rules for pesticide application
EU regulations in force since 2011 limit the approval of key pesticide components (active ingredients) to a maximum of 15 years. A new initiative proposes making indefinite approval standard practice, including for the controversial glyphosate. According to the draft, safety reviews would only be carried out in exceptional cases, with responsibility for them falling on regulatory authorities rather than manufacturers.
The European Commission explains that these measures are intended to reduce costs, simplify agency operations, and help farmers maintain competitiveness in response to complaints from the agricultural industry and food associations. At the same time, experts, scientists, environmentalists, and doctors express serious concern, warning of threats to human health and the environment. Previously, more than 500 specialists from EU countries signed an open letter calling to suspend the consideration of the new norms and conduct an independent investigation. The need for a thorough review has also been stated by UN human rights experts.
Research shows that chemical pesticides can accumulate in nature, pollute water, degrade soils, and harm biodiversity. Their impact is linked to various types of cancer, chronic respiratory and neurological diseases, as well as fertility problems. A survey conducted between 2014 and 2021 revealed the presence of traces of two or more pesticides in 84% of urine samples from adults and children in five European states.
Representatives of the agricultural sector and Members of the European Parliament, in particular co-rapporteur Herbert Dorfmann, support the reform, pointing to years of delays in approving new products, including eco-friendly alternatives. The new proposals are intended to accelerate the market launch of ecological biological control agents and low-risk substances, but critics fear the weakening of general safety standards and the satisfaction of the interests of the pesticide lobby.