Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-001767/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Stefano Cavedagna (ECR), Carlo Fidanza (ECR), Nicola Procaccini (ECR), Antonella Sberna (ECR), Sergio Berlato (ECR), Michele Picaro (ECR), Francesco Ventola (ECR)
In the last few years, increasingly restrictive EU rules on pesticides have widened the competitive gap between EU agriculture and that of third countries, such as Mercosur, which have less stringent standards.
This disparity penalises European producers, who are already working on sustainability and have been hit by structural crises linked to energy costs, labour shortages and emergencies caused by extreme weather.
In this context, many agricultural operators are calling for a better balance between environmental requirements and economic sustainability, as well as for a more gradual and realistic approach to the introduction of new pesticide restrictions, which takes account of the time needed to develop and market effective alternative solutions.
In the light of the above:
- 1.What measures does the Commission intend to adopt to guarantee fair competition for EU and non-EU producers, in view of the impact of phytosanitary policies on the competitiveness of agriculture?
- 2.What measures does the Commission plan to take to promote innovation in plant health products in full respect for the agricultural sector’s needs, while coordinating research and development on effective alternatives to the active ingredients subject to restrictions?
Submitted: 30.4.2025