European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has withdrawn a proposed bill aimed at reducing pesticide use, citing the need for more dialogue and a different approach.
Eddy Wax and Bartosz Brzeziński report for Politico.
In short:
- The bill, part of the Green Deal, aimed to cut pesticide use by 50% by 2030 but faced strong opposition from farmers and right-wing politicians.
- This decision marks a shift in the EU's approach to agricultural policy, amidst increasing economic pressures and political opposition.
- The withdrawal reflects broader challenges in balancing environmental goals with agricultural industry concerns and political realities.
Key quote:
“To move forward more dialogue and a different approach is needed.”
— Ursula von der Leyen, European Commission president
Why this matters:
This development highlights the complex interplay between environmental policy and agricultural practices, directly impacting health outcomes. It underscores the challenges in implementing policies that balance environmental sustainability with economic and political interests on a continental scale.
Despite decades of research linking pesticide drift to health harm, regulation remains weak and leaves the most vulnerable with few protections.
