European Policy: Building Europe’s Path to a Pesticide-Free Future

beelifeeu
Nov 24
3 min read

Over the last decade, the European Union has built a framework of directives and regulations designed to reduce the environmental impact of pesticides and promote a transition toward sustainable farming.These laws should define how Europe will protect the health of its citizens and its ecosystems.

The Core Framework

SUD — Sustainable Use Directive (2009/128/EC)

Adopted in 2009, the SUD was the first step toward reducing pesticide-related risks. It asks every Member State to develop National Action Plans, limit chemical use, and promote Integrated Pest Management (IPM) — a practical approach based on prevention and observation rather than routine spraying.

SUR — Sustainable Use Regulation

Proposed as an upgrade to the SUD, the SUR sought to make pesticide-reduction goals legally binding, setting clear targets across the EU — a 50% reduction in both use and risk.However, the Commission withdrew the proposal.

NRL — Nature Restoration Law

The NRL aims to restore natural areas and improve habitat conditions across Europe, helping ecosystems recover their functions and resilience. A healthier landscape supports both sustainable agriculture and thriving pollinators.

This framework forms the regulatory backbone of Europe’s pesticide policy: a bridge between science, policy, and public responsibility.

Who Does What: National Filtering and Regional Implementation

Turning European environmental goals into real action involves different levels of responsibility - and collaboration.

At the EU level, the European institutions - together with the Member States - define the common framework and objectives through directives and regulations. The EU also plays a monitoring and coordinating role, ensuring that shared environmental goals are pursued consistently across all countries.
At the national level, governments are responsible for translating these European commitments into national strategies and legislation, adapting them to their agricultural and environmental contexts.
At the regional and local levels, authorities and communities are where implementation takes shape on the ground, turning policies into real practices that protect nature, support farmers, and restore ecosystems.

What Does This Mean for People?

Less indiscriminate pesticide use: Stronger rules mean fewer harmful chemicals released into the environment.
Pathways for farmers: IPM, protective nets, and responsible approaches to crop protection offer practical and affordable ways to reduce pesticide dependence while maintaining productivity.
Greater transparency: Clear national plans and shared data ensure that everyone—from citizens to policymakers - can track progress.

The Actual Situation: the impossible transformation of a Directive into a Regulation

The Sustainable Use Regulation was meant to transform environmental ambition into enforceable law. Citizens who supported sustainable farming and pollinator protection, over one million who signed the European Citizens’ Initiative “Save Bees and Farmers”, now see their voices sidelined by inaction.

When institutions delay or dilute implementation, trust in science and governance weakens: European Commission and Member States remain committed to a 50% reduction target (or 80% following citizens’ demands), that rely on outdated tools producing only paper results - reductions that exist in data, but not in the real world. An unsustainable status quo for either environment nor European citizens.

🎥 Watch this short video by Global2000 to better understand the state of pesticide policy in Europe:

BeeLife’s Perspective

At BeeLife, we believe these challenges are not a sign of failure but of transition.Europe is learning that sustainability requires not only goals, but courage to align policy, science, and public will.

By translating complex regulations into accessible knowledge, BeeLife helps citizens and farmers understand why reducing pesticide dependence is essential to protecting what sustains us all: clean air and water, healthy soil, and safe food.