Report on the implementation of the sustainable use of pesticides directive

29.2.2016

Question for written answer E-001788-16
to the Commission
Rule 130
Pavel Poc (S&D) , Christel Schaldemose (S&D) , Jytte Guteland (S&D) , Merja Kyllönen (GUE/NGL) , Karin Kadenbach (S&D) , Benedek Jávor (Verts/ALE) , Paul Brannen (S&D) , José Bové (Verts/ALE) , Eleonora Evi (EFDD) , Marco Affronte (EFDD) , Marco Zullo (EFDD) , Daciana Octavia Sârbu (S&D) , Claudiu Ciprian Tănăsescu (S&D)

The intentional dispersion of pesticides into the environment is a matter of considerable concern to citizens, and the sustainable use of pesticides directive (SUPD) was adopted in 2009 with a view to minimising this practice as far as possible.

The Commission has recently indicated that the report on the implementation of the SUPD, which was due in 2014, will finally be submitted in 2016. This suggests a lack of concern on the Commission’s part regarding the dispersion of more than 250 000 tonnes of active ingredients, despite the concerns existing over human health, water pollution and further damage to biodiversity.

In the light of this situation, can the Commission explain the delay in submitting this report?

Can the Commission indicate which Member States have implemented the directive in an unsatisfactory manner and whether it will initiate infringement proceedings or take other measures to ensure that those Member States are pursued?

How will the Commission ensure that the two-year delay in submitting the report will not be repeated in 2018, when the next report is due?