Progress on updating the guidance document on comparative assessment of pesticides in accordance with Article 50 of Regulation 1107/2009

Question for written answer E-003064/2024
to the Commission
Rule 144
Christophe Clergeau (S&D)

In accordance with Article 50 of Regulation 1107/2009[1], Member States are required to carry out a comparative assessment when evaluating an application for authorisation for a pesticide product containing an active substance identified as a candidate for substitution. This is to check the availability of safer alternatives to substances that are toxic to health and the environment. However, studies show that, since 2015, none of the substances identified as candidates for substitution has been replaced by a non-chemical alternative. At the same time, other studies show that EU citizens continue to be exposed to the most dangerous pesticides through their food and in the environment. We welcome the Commission's commitment to reviewing the conditions for substitution and the progress made in amending Annex IV to the regulation. However, the European Ombudsman recently asked the Commission to speed up its work on this matter.

In view of the above:

• 1.Does the Commission intend to continue to use the standard of the European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization (EPPO) as part of its guidance document on comparative assessment?
• 2.If so, will the EPPO standard be revised to comply with the amended Annex IV to the regulation?
• 3.If so, does the Commission intend to apply the European Ombudsman's recommendations on managing conflicts of interest and stakeholder involvement?

Submitted: 19.12.2024

• [1] Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 October 2009 concerning the placing of plant protection products on the market and repealing Council Directives 79/117/EEC and 91/414/EEC, OJ L 309, 24.11.2009, p. 1, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2009/1107/oj.