EU member states support ban on neonicotinoids

European nations have voted in favour of a new ban proposed by the European Commission, which almost completely prohibits the use of neonicotinoid pesticides across the region.

Countries representing more than three-quarters of the total EU population, including Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the UK, Sweden and Greece voted in favour of the ban. Romania, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Denmark were opposed, while others such as Poland, Belgium and Croatia abstained.

The proposal is an extension of the partial ban enacted since 2013 when the EU first decided to prohibit the use of Bayer’s imidacloprid and clothianidin insecticides and Syngenta’s thiamethoxam.

The new restrictions prohibit the use of neonicotinoids for pest control in open fields but do not cover permanent greenhouses. Despite being the most widely used class of insecticides, research conducted earlier this year showed that the prevalence of neonicotinoids has resulted in the decline of important pollinator species, namely bees.

European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) pesticides unit head Jose Tarazona noted that while this point is not proven, there is a substantial amount of data to suggest that there is a link.

“There is variability in the conclusions, due to factors such as the bee species, the intended use of the pesticide and the route of exposure. Some low risks have been identified, but overall the risk to the three types of bees we have assessed is confirmed.” Tarazona said.

EFSA concluded that most uses of neonicotinoids result in a risk to wild bees and honeybees.

In response, agro-chemical giant Bayer said:“The restrictions are intended to address the alleged risks the substances pose to bee health. Bayer cares about bees. They are essential for the pollination of many arable crops. But there are other, better ways to support pollinator health.”

Environmental agency Greenpeace supported the move but suggested that more must be done to reverse the decline in wild bee populations. It stated that several other neonicotinoids and other insecticides–such as cypermethrin, deltamethrin and cholorpyrifos–should also be removed from the EU’s authorised list.

Greenpeace EU food policy adviser Franziska Achterberg said: “This is great news for pollinators and our wider environment, but there was never any question that these three neonicotinoids had to go. Now the EU must make sure that they are not simply swapped with other harmful chemicals. Governments must ban all bee-harming pesticides and finally shift away from toxic chemicals in farming.”

European Crop Protection Association (ECPA) public affairs director Graeme Taylor disagreed, saying: “It’s unfortunate that a decision has been taken to further restrict the use of substances which are of such immense importance to agriculture in Europe. European agriculture will suffer as a result of this decision. Perhaps not today, perhaps not tomorrow, but in time decision makers will see the clear impact of removing a vital tool for farmers, and European food production.