An independent scientific statement, led by Dr. Lindsey Hendricks-Franco (Ecologic Institute) and co-signed by more than 200 researchers and medical professionals across Europe, has been addressed to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The statement warns that proposed amendments to Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 on plant protection products included in the draft Omnibus Simplification Package could weaken fundamental safeguards in pesticide risk assessment, with implications for environmental protection, biodiversity and human health.

While acknowledging a role for regulatory simplification, the authors stress that simplification should strengthen implementation without eroding the scientific foundations of EU pesticide regulation. They raise concerns about, inter alia, the potential removal of mandatory periodic reviews of approved active substances, extended grace periods allowing continued use of substances identified as too harmful, and a reduced obligation to integrate the latest available scientific evidence in the authorisation of plant protection products at Member State level. The statement calls for a strengthening of the EU regulatory framework through improved integration of independent scientific research, more robust monitoring and data systems, and more realistic and sensitive risk assessments, notably regarding pesticide mixtures and long-term exposure.

Among the signatories are Christoph Heinrich (Director, Ecologic Institute) as well as Dr. Josselin Rouillard and Antonia Riedel (Ecologic Institute).

Future updates on the letter will be found here: https://sites.google.com/view/scientificstatementpesticides/home