The future of pesticide regulation in the EU – between precaution and proportionality
Abstract
The article analyzes current developments in European pesticide regulation. It explains how stricter authorization criteria and recent case law by the European Court of Justice on access to justice of environmental NGOs, emergency authorizations and scientific evidence may contribute to a further decline in the number of authorized plant protection products. It also analyzes the consequences of revocation or non-renewals in agricultural law, food law and civil law and discusses them with regard to fundamental principles of EU law. It calls for more proportionality especially when setting Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs) to avoid economic and enforcement challenges. Clear statutory information obligations for both manufacturers and public advisory services could also help to improve compliance and realize environmental and public health objectives.
DOI:
Publication date: 22/09/2025
Issue: 46th World Congress of Vine and Wine
Type: Short communication
Authors
1 University of Bayreuth