European Commission proposes easing EU pesticide rules as experts warn

The short version

• The European Commission proposes making indefinite pesticide approvals the default, with safety reviews only in exceptional cases.[Deutsche Welle]
• The Commission says the changes would cut costs, simplify authority work and help farmers stay competitive.[Deutsche Welle]
• Over 500 experts urged suspension in September, and UN rights experts called for a full human rights review on October 7.[Deutsche Welle]
• Co-rapporteur Herbert Dorfmann aims for a parliamentary vote before year-end and backs the Commission's stance.[Deutsche Welle]

Key facts

• The European Commission has proposed sweeping changes to agriculture and food safety laws, including easing rules on pesticides and herbicides.[Deutsche Welle]
• The proposal would make indefinite approval the default for pesticides, including glyphosate, with safety reviews only in exceptional cases.[Deutsche Welle]
• The Commission says the goal is to cut costs, simplify work for authorities and help farmers stay competitive.[Deutsche Welle]
• In September, more than 500 experts signed an open letter asking Parliament to suspend consideration and investigate health and environmental impacts.[Deutsche Welle]
• On October 7, UN rights experts backed a full review of whether the proposal could violate international human rights law.[Deutsche Welle]
• Herbert Dorfmann, the co-rapporteur, aims for a parliamentary vote on the rules before the end of the year.[Deutsche Welle]
• Salome Roynel said 56 active substances have been banned in the EU since 2011 following periodic reviews.[Deutsche Welle]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.

• EU moves to loosen rules on pesticide use as experts sound the alarmDeutsche Welle