Use of neonicotinoid pesticides in Puglia

8.5.2018

Question for written answer E-002529-18
to the Commission
Rule 130
Massimo Paolucci (S&D)

On 27 April 2018, the Union decided to ban all external uses of neonicotinoid pesticides, including imidacloprid, which were already subject to severe restrictions under Implementing Regulation 485/2013 owing to their serious impact on bees.

By ministerial decree of 13 February 2018 (the Martina Decree) of the Italian Ministry of Agricultural, Food, and Forestry Policies, Italy stipulated that imidacloprid was one of the active substances suggested to combat the carrier of Xylella fastidiosa bacteria.

Can the Commission therefore say:

Whether Italy has informed the Commission and the other Member States of the emergency measures adopted through the decree, or of its intention to waive the restrictions already in force for imidacloprid, and if so, when it informed them;

Whether the Commission does not agree that the Martina Decree includes measures that are incompatible with Directive 2009/128/EC establishing a framework for Community action to achieve the sustainable use of pesticides and whether it will not ask EFSA for an opinion, or ask it to provide scientific or technical assistance with regard to the large-scale, compulsory use of pesticides, including imidacloprid, in Puglia?