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• 19.06.2026

Pesticides are subject to strict authorisation procedures in the European Union. The European Commission is now planning to streamline these procedures by largely replacing the regular re-evaluation of many active substances with evaluations triggered only by specific concerns. In a Policy Forum article published in the prestigious journal Science, researchers from 27 European research institutions warn that the reform would weaken key safeguards in the authorisation process, posing risks for both human health and the environment. Among the co-authors are environmental scientists Professor Ralf B. Schäfer and Paul N. Ozoh, as well as political scientist Timo Hülsdünker from the University of Duisburg-Essen.

Under current EU rules, active substances in pesticides are generally authorised for ten years. After this period, manufacturers can apply for a renewal of the authorisation and must submit data demonstrating the safety of the active substance. “This ensures that active substances are regularly evaluated in light of the latest scientific evidence,” says Professor Ralf B. Schäfer, an environmental scientist at the University of Duisburg-Essen.

“The renewal process has proved to be an important tool for removing problematic substances from the market,” Schäfer explains. Since 2011, 59 active substances have failed to secure renewed authorisation following re-evaluation because of concerns about human health or the environment.

The reform proposed by the European Commission would fundamentally change the way risks are assessed. At present, manufacturers must regularly demonstrate that their active substances continue to meet current standards for environmental and health protection. Under the new system, reevaluation would only take place when there is evidence of unacceptable risks. “In effect, this would shift the burden of proof from manufacturers to regulators,” says Schäfer. The researchers argue that the change would increase pesticide risks to biodiversity, pollinators, freshwater ecosystems and human health, undermine the precautionary principle, and conflict with both European and international environmental goals.

The researchers also raise concerns about changes to transitional arrangements. At present, products can remain in use for up to 18 months after an active substance loses authorisation, although regulators can halt their use immediately where urgent risks are identified. The proposed reform would allow products to remain on the market for up to three years, even where environmental or health concerns exist, unless those risks are considered both immediate and serious.

“Contrary to its stated aim of promoting innovation, the proposal could actually reduce incentives to develop new solutions,” says Schäfer. “If older products remain on the market for longer and face less regulatory scrutiny, there is less pressure to bring safer and more innovative alternatives to market.”

In their article, the authors also outline ways in which the EU could reduce the harmful effects of pesticides while making the authorisation process more efficient. Their recommendations include publicly funded authorisation studies, harmonised assessment criteria and stronger environmental monitoring.

“Continuous monitoring could help ensure that regulatory decisions are tested against real-world conditions and adjusted where necessary – much like pharmacovigilance systems for medicines,” says Schäfer. He is also a co-author of a Focus Paper published by the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina, which calls for pesticide authorisation procedures not to be relaxed at the expense of human health and environmental protection. 

Further Information:
The Policy Forum article in Science was led by researchers at the University of Freiburg. The University of Freiburg’s full press release is available here: https://uni-freiburg.de/gesetzesentwurf-der-eu-kommission-zu-pestiziden-europaeische-forscherinnen-benennen-risiken/

Original Publication: Dimitry Wintermantel et al., EU Omnibus proposal increases pesticide risks. Science 0,DOI:10.1126/science.aeg8744

Image: The researchers’ recommendations are also intended to protect insects such as the brimstone butterfly (Gonepteryx rhamni) in the long term. Photo: Wilhelm Osterman

Scientific Contact at the University of Duisburg-Essen
Professor Ralf B. Schäfer
Professor of Ecotoxicology, Research Center One Health Ruhr, University Alliance Ruhr, and Faculty of Biology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Tel.: +49 (0)201 183-3962
ralf.schaefer@uni-due.de