Evolution of Directive (EC) No 128/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council Establishing a Framework for Community Action to Achieve the Sustainable Use of Pesticides

Abstract

The EC Directive No 128/2009 established a regulatory framework for Community action to achieve the sustainable use of pesticides (phytopharmaceuticals) that entered into force in 2011. The Directive manages all aspect of pesticides approved under Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 and listed in implementing Regulation (EU) No 540/2011 outside the approval and approval procedure, including all relevant National Action Plans (NAP), training, sales of pesticides, information awareness-raising, pesticides storage, application and equipment (i.e. inspection of equipment in use), specific practices and uses (i.e. aerial spraying), indicators and reporting on pesticide uses. This study examines the evolution of these dispositions framing the use of pesticides in Europe and the recent implementation of the harmonized risk indicators (HRI), which are expected to diminish in numbers over time. Calculation of the annual HRI values, and analysis of their evolution through the years is, therefore, for the first time, a method to quantify the evolution of the theoretical impact of pesticides at the pan-European level and to measure the progress against the original purpose of the directive, and therefore, its success. https://www.doi.org/10.21423/jrs-v07marchand