EEA briefing on how pesticides impact human health and ecosystems in Europe

Credit: MEP Eric Andrieu

A few weeks ago, the European Environment Agency published its new briefing on ‘How pesticides impact human health and ecosystems in Europe‘. As the lead author of the briefing, I was pleased to see the coverage received by our analysis, which aims to inform the debate in the European Parliament on the proposal for a Regulation on the Sustainable Use of Plant Protection Products.

The briefing was presented during an event in the European Parliament hosted by MEP Sarah Wiener (Greens/EFA), who acts as the ENVI Committee’s rapporteur on the legislative proposal, and MEP Anja Hazekamp (GUE/NGL).

The briefing was also discussed during two other events which took place the European Parliament. The first event was organised on 27 April by MEP Eric Andrieu (S&D) and other former members of the PEST Committee of the European Parliament. The second event was organised by EU40 – the Network of Young MEPs and MEP Alexander Bernhuber (EPP).

The following is a non-exhaustive list of news items that directly or indirectly cite me while covering the briefing:

• The Guardian, EU environmental watchdog criticises calls to stall pesticides cut (26 April 2023)
• ENDS Europe, Progress in reducing impact of chemical pesticides ‘too slow’ (26 April 2023)
• RAI News, Pesticidi in Europa, un rischio per la salute. In Italia residui dannosi sotto la media (26 April 2023)
• Le Monde, The EU’s environmental agency calls for reduction in pesticide usage (26 April 2023)
• Euractiv, Ministers warn EU pesticide cut plan could jeopardise agriculture exports (26 April 2023)
• Market Screener, EU authority: major risks from pesticide use continue in Europe (26 April 2023)
• Voice of America, EU Agency Calls for Cuts in Pesticide Use as Monitors Find Excessive Levels (26 April 2023)
• Brussels Times, EU told to reduce use of ‘devastating’ pesticides (29 April 2023)
• Greenreport, Eea: nell’Ue necessarie ulteriori azioni per ridurre gli impatti dei pesticidi chimici (26 April 2023)
• AgencyIQ by Politico, EEB and EEA call out Commission for regulatory shortcomings (2 May 2023)
• European Environment Agency (interview), Pesticides: what are the risks to our health and to the environment (15 June 2023)
• European Environment Agency (video), Ask an expert – Pesticides: what are their impacts on our health and on the environment? (25 May 2023)