WRITTEN QUESTION E-2835/00

by Erik Meijer (GUE/NGL) to the Council

(8 September 2000)

Subject: Delays in the European programme of work on plant protection products

1. One important element in the discussion of essential plant protection products is harmonisation policy in this area, under the responsibility of the Commission, pursuant to Directive 91/414/EEC(1). There has been widespread public criticism of the stagnation and delays in the programme of work to be used for assessing authorised and new products. Earlier this year the Council provided for more rapid implementation of the programme through Regulation (EC) No 415/2000(2) of 28 February 2000. What progress has been achieved hitherto?

2. Despite these measures the expectation is that the target date of 2003 cannot be achieved and that there may even be proposals resulting in a target date of 2007 or indeed later. Can the Council confirm this?

3. Does the Council agree that because of the delays in the programme Member States which have indicated that they are ahead of European legislation may be tempted to modify their policy, for Internal Market reasons, and wait for the others to catch up, not least in the interests of their own agricultural producers? Does the Council agree that this is damaging to the environment?

4. Does the Council share the view that everything must be done to complete the harmonisation programme by the agreed time, 2003, as otherwise the assessment and removal of old, possibly harmful substances or the assessment and introduction of new, more environmentally compatible substances or products which are already available can be delayed for many years, with people simply continuing to spray poisons?

5. If so, what action does the Council intend taking, over and above Regulation (EC) No 415/2000 of 28 February 2000, to ensure that the deadline of 2003 is not exceeded?

(1) OJ L 230, 19.8.1991, p. 1.

(2) OJ L 52, 25.2.2000, p. 14.

Reply

(30 November 2000)

1. Council Directive 91/414/EEC concerning the placing of plant protection products on the market sets up a harmonised framework for the authorisation, placing on the market, use and control of plant protection products within the Community. One of the Directive's basic principles is the establishment of a Community list, contained in Annex I to the Directive, of active substances authorised for incorporation in plant protection products.

2. Article 8(2) of Directive 91/414/EEC provides for a derogation during a period of 12 years (until 25 July 2003) allowing Member States to authorise plant protection products containing active substances not listed in Annex I to the Directive on the basis of the general safety requirements defined in Article 4 of the Directive and national data requirements. During that period, the Commission will implement a programme of work for the gradual examination of those active substances. By July 2001 it must present to the European Parliament and the Council a progress report on the programme. Depending upon the conclusions of the report, it may be decided whether, for certain substances, the 12-year period is to be extended for a period to be determined.

3. If the aforementioned period is extended, the effects of the decisions in question on human and animal health, the environment and agriculture will be duly examined.

4. Commission Regulation (EC) No 451/2000 covers those active substances not included in Annex I to Directive 91/414/EEC and which were not covered by Regulation (EEC) No 3600/92. Strict time-limits are laid down for the notification of such active substances by industry. Results are expected to be available by the end of December 2000, and should be included in the Commission's progress report.