Revision of Commission approach towards neonicotinoids

23.3.2018

Question for written answer E-001778-18
to the Commission
Rule 130
Jérôme Lavrilleux (PPE)

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has reevaluated data from 2013 on three neonicotinoid substances: clothianidin, imidacloprid and thiamethoxam.

Its conclusions confirm previous studies conducted by the EFSA and the fact that pesticides containing these substances, especially when used outside, represent a risk to wild bees and honey bees. These bees are essential as pollinators for the reproduction of plants. Restrictions on the use of these products, which have been used since the 1990s, were introduced in 2013 after the EFSA’s publication that same year of its first evaluation of these substances.

1. In view of the EFSA’s new conclusions, does the Commission intend to tighten the regulations governing the use of neonicotinoid substances?

2. If so, can the Commission detail the intended amendments to current regulations?

3. Could the amendments to current regulations result in a complete ban of these three products?