EPP Group insists on science-based approach towards
authorisation of pesticides
"We need evolution, not revolution. Even though the EU
authorisation procedure is already one of the safest in the
world, we can, of course, always improve it further to
safeguard the highest standards for the health of our
citizens, the environment and the survival of European
farms", said the EPP Group's Norbert Lins MEP, ahead of the
vote on the findings and recommendations of the Parliament’s
Special Committee on the Authorisation Procedure for
Pesticides. Lins is Parliament's co-rapporteur who drafted
the recommendations jointly with Green MEP Bart Staes.
For the EPP Group, it is crucial to safeguard the value and
authority of research results so that decisions are not taken
based on the politics of the day and solutions are found for
the placement of new and better-equipped products on the
market. Both professionals and citizens depend on stable,
legal and safe rules.
"Our decisions should not be inspired by ideological
positions. We need to remain rational", commented Angelique
Delahaye MEP, EPP Group Spokeswoman in the Special Committee,
stressing that the decision-makers must nevertheless stop
opposing agriculture and the environment.
"This is why we need to come up with alternative solutions
before we throw the baby out with the bathwater. The
agricultural sector lacks applicable economic and
environmental alternatives. Some other sectors, transport for
instance, depend highly on the use of pesticides",
highlighted Delahaye.
Lins reiterated that one of the EPP Group’s key priorities
remains making sure the authorisation procedure for plant
protection products continues to rely on independent,
transparent and efficient processes.
"Politics must not interfere with science", concluded Lins.
The plenary will vote on the Report in January.
