EU Omnibus proposal increases pesticide risks

Published 26 June 2026

Bumble bee covered in pollen drinking nectar from a pink flower — Common Carder Bee. Photo: Therese Ek

The European Commission intends to reform the approval of pesticides through a new legislative package. Scientists from 27 research institutions point out that the “Food and Feed Safety simplification package” weakens key safeguards – with consequences for people and the environment.

The “Food and Feed Safety simplifcation package” is part of a comprehensive strategy through which the European Commission aims to simplify legislation in the European Union (EU) and reduce the administrative burden. It is intended to reform key provisions that have hitherto governed the approval of pesticides.

In an article published in the prestigious journal Science, scientists from 27 European research institutions are now highlighting the risks posed by the new regulations. Among the authors are BECC-members Julia Osterman and Daniel Slunge at University of Gothenburg as well as Maj Rundlöf and Jessica Knapp from Lund University.