The European Union (EU) has officially abandoned its controversial plan to cut pesticide use, according to EU Agriculture Commissioner Christophe Hansen. The move marks a major shift in the bloc’s agricultural strategy and a policy realignment under the European Green Deal.
Background: From Green Ambition to Policy Withdrawal
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The initial proposal to reduce pesticide use by 50% by 2030 was a key pillar of the EU’s sustainable agriculture agenda. However, after years of fierce opposition from farmers and right-wing political groups, the plan has been suspended indefinitely.
In an interview with Euronews, Commissioner Hansen stated:
“We made no progress. The issue is no longer on the European Commission’s agenda.”
Why the EU Scrapped the Pesticide Reduction Plan
The Sustainable Use of Pesticides Regulation (SUR), proposed in June 2022, aimed to impose strict limits on pesticide use — including a total ban in sensitive areas such as urban parks and Natura 2000 conservation zones.
The proposal faced widespread protests from farmers across Europe, leading to its withdrawal in 2023.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen had promised a “more balanced proposal”, but the review was postponed until after the June 2024 European Parliament elections.
Now, Commissioner Hansen has confirmed that future initiatives will focus on trade and technological innovation, rather than binding pesticide-reduction targets.
EU’s New Focus: Biotechnology and Innovation
According to Hansen, the EU will shift its focus toward biotechnology and safer alternatives instead of imposing strict pesticide limits.
A key component of this new approach is the Biotech Act, designed to accelerate the development and approval of biological and genetic solutions for crop protection.
“We must do more to develop solutions that are safe for both the environment and human health,” Hansen emphasized.
In 2024, the EU is expected to introduce measures to streamline the approval process for biopesticides, as part of its broader regulatory simplification plan.
This is one of the few aspects of the original pesticide policy that has received broad political and industry support.
The policy shift aligns with the EU’s New Vision for Agriculture and Food, which prioritizes innovation, youth engagement, and sustainable farming over regulatory restrictions.
Implications for Vietnamese Agricultural Exporters
The EU’s decision to drop its pesticide-reduction plan could ease short-term regulatory pressure on Vietnamese agricultural exporters, who have faced increasingly stringent environmental and pesticide-residue standards in recent years.
However, the EU will continue tightening import standards — especially for pesticide residues and traceability requirements.
To maintain and expand market share in this key export destination, Vietnamese producers and exporters should:
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Enhance product quality and traceability,
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Invest in clean farming and sustainable production technologies,
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Comply with updated EU food safety and biopesticide regulations, and
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Leverage eco-certifications (e.g., GlobalG.A.P., organic standards) to build consumer trust.
A Balanced Outlook
The EU’s policy shift reflects a pragmatic approach to balancing environmental goals with economic realities. While it provides temporary relief for exporters, it also underscores the inevitable transition toward sustainable, biotech-driven agriculture.
For Vietnam, this presents both opportunities and challenges — a chance to strengthen its position in the EU market by adopting green innovation and compliance-driven production.