Ban of all neonicotinoids

1.2.2017

Question for written answer E-000690-17
to the Commission
Rule 130
Jean-François Jalkh (ENF)

On 26 January 2017, following the publication of a scientific abstract commissioned from the University of Sussex, Greenpeace called on the European Union to ban all neonicotinoids. While a partial ban was imposed in 2013, the residual effects are too great for us to ignore and to continue to allow these substances to come into contact with not only farmland but also soil, water courses and wild flowers. Indeed, the report confirms the harmfulness of pesticides for the environment, especially for bees, butterflies and aquatic insects, thereby impacting on the food chain.

This is placing at risk not only crops directly treated but also plants indirectly absorbing these pesticides, which are found in pollen, nectar and foliage. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has postponed to autumn the publication of its report on the three partially prohibited neonicotinoids. In the meantime, France has adopted a ban on neonicotinoids from 2018.

In view of this:

Does the Commission intend to respond favourably to the above request?