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European Citizens' Initiative (ECI)

One million citizens demand an end to toxic pesticides in Europe

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The European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI) entitled 'Save Bees and Farmers' has gathered over 1 million signatures across the EU. The initiative calls for a phase-out of synthetic pesticides in the EU, for measures to restore biodiversity, and for support for farmers to transition to sustainable agriculture. These are all central demands of the European Greens, who have strongly supported this initiative since it was launched. The ECI stems from a coalition of over 140 NGOs as well as farmer and beekeeper associations, succeeding a 2017 ECI “Stop Glyphosate” that proved instrumental for shedding light on dangerous pesticide use in Europe and putting in motion policy reform.

Thomas Waitz, co-chair of the European Green Party and MEP said: “In recent years, scientists have warned us about the extent to which insects and in particular pollinators are threatened. Several bee species face extinction in Europe, which would have devastating effects on plants and agriculture that depend on pollinators, as well as the animals that feed on them. This mass extinction is a direct result of the widespread use of synthetic pesticides.

“The EU can and must take the political action required to restore biodiversity and safeguard agriculture by phasing out synthetic pesticides.”

Evelyne Huytebroeck, co-chair of the European Green Party said: “Industrial agriculture is destroying biodiversity, causing erosion of our soils and is forcing farmers to stop farming as they can not stand the unfair competition of agro-industrial multinationals. On top of that, the effects of pesticides on the health of citizens are devastating and represent a big burden to our healthcare systems and societies.

“The European Union, its member states and citizens play a crucial role in supporting the transformation toward organic agriculture - for a thriving biodiversity, fertile soils, quality food and good jobs with a decent income for Europe’s farmers.”

If validated by the European Commission, the Commission and the Parliament will have to respond to the demands of the citizens. A certain number of signatures are usually invalidated, and we are impatiently waiting for a confirmation of this historical achievement.

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