The so-called Sustainable Use Regulation (SUR) was first presented in June 2022 with the goal of reducing the use of pesticides by 2030. It also envisioned the total prohibition of these products in sensitive areas, such as urban green spaces and Natura 2000 sites, and promoted the adoption of low-risk alternatives.
The European Parliament rejected the proposal, and no progress was achieved in the Council either due to the opposition of most countries to accept the setting of reduction targets.
Most recently, Farmers' protests environmental policies have been decisive and, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, announced on Tuesday (6 February) the withdrawal of the Sustainable Use Regulation (SUR). Von der Leyen appealed, among other things, for the need for a new "strategic dialogue format", bringing together farmers, environmental organisations, and industry to develop solutions to the problems and the future of agriculture in Europe.
From now on, a new opportunity opens for the Commission and Parliament to develop a new concept in co-operation with the agricultural sector during the next legislative period. Together, we now can generate a regulation that includes a regulatory system aligned with agricultural reality, that is faster, more flexible and allows for the development and availability of new and innovative technologies and tools to ensure a faster transition to resilient and sustainable European agriculture.
Source:
Speech by President von der Leyen at the European Parliament Plenary on the conclusions of the European Council meetings. https://neighbourhood-enlargement.ec.europa.eu/news/speech-president-von-der-leyen-european-parliament-plenary-conclusions-european-council-meetings-2024-02-06_en