Some pesticides toxic to bees (including neonicotinoids and fipronil) were banned in 2013. However,
the pesticide and seed industry, farmers and many EU Member States are continuing
to use these pesticides. This is through a loophole in the Pesticides Regulation
that allows for “emergency authorisations”.
“Emergency authorisations” for banned or non-approved pesticides can only be
used in “exceptional circumstances”, for example, when a danger to crops or the
environment leaves the farmer or Member State with no other choice other than to
use the pesticide.
However, this mechanism is being abused. Between 2013 and 2016, over 1,100
emergency authorisations were granted by Member States. In this period, at least
62 emergency authorisations were granted by Member States allowing the use of
these bee-harming pesticides.