MEPs call for overhaul of EU pesticide licensing

Europe's system of authorising pesticides needs a thorough overhaul to protect ecosystems and human health, the European Parliament's environment committee has agreed.

“I am convinced that further efforts at both the EU and national level are needed to ensure effective implementation of the pesticide regulation,” Czech lawmaker Pavel Poc said after the report he drafted on the issue was endorsed by 48 votes to two on Tuesday.

The report draws on a recent study by the parliament's research service, which concluded that the objective of ensuring pesticides placed on the market were safe for humans, animals and the environment was “not being achieved in practice”.