MEPs rejected the sustainable use of pesticides (SUR) proposal by the EC

23 November 2023

The Commission’s proposal for an ambitious reduction of pesticides in Europe was rejected by the European Parliament yesterday, on November 22nd. The proposal was urgently needed and essential to ensure a minimum level of protection for EU citizens and ecosystems from the toxic effects of pesticides. Failing to support this represents a severe attack on the Green Deal and the public interest. It was a sad day for democracy in the EU on the eve of the European elections.

Measures to reduce all pesticides and the most hazardous pesticides by 50% by 2030 were included in the SUR proposal. It also included binding rules on the implementation of Integrated Pest Management and measures to protect sensitive areas such as public spaces, nature reserves and water resources. Scientists say these measures are urgently needed to protect the health of citizens and the healthy functioning of the ecosystems on which we depend. Ambitious measures to reduce pesticides and increase the resilience of farming systems are also crucial for farmers, who depend on healthy soils, biodiversity, clean water, pollination and natural pest control, and who are highly exposed to pesticides.