Text · Report parliamentary committee draft
On the proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council Amending Council Directive 98/58/EC and Directive 2009/128/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the simplification and strengthening of food and feed safety requirements, and repealing Council Directives 82/711/EEC and 85/572/EEC
Full title
On the proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council Amending Council Directive 98/58/EC and Directive 2009/128/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the simplification and strengthening of food and feed safety requirements, and repealing Council Directives 82/711/EEC and 85/572/EEC
Document CJ14-PR-789112 · COM(2025)1021 – C100361/2025 – 2025/0409(COD)
- Kind
- Report parliamentary committee draft CJ14-PR-789112
- Date
- 19 June 2026
- Committee
- Committee on the Environment, Climate and Food Safety Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development
- Rapporteur
- Michele Picaro, Herbert Dorfmann
- Dossier
- 2025-0409
More facts (3)
- Formats
- Official page PDF Word
- Subject matter
- AL-A, IPHE, D-AL
- Reference
- COM(2025)1021 – C100361/2025 – 2025/0409(COD)
Text
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Jump to an amendment (17)
Draft european parliament legislative resolution
–having regard to Article 294(2) and Article 43(2), Article 114 and Article 192(1) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, pursuant to which the Commission submitted the proposal to Parliament (C100361/2025),
–having regard to the report of the Committee on the Environment, Climate and Food Safety and the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development (A100000/2026),
2.Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council, the Commission and the national parliaments.
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (3) In order to ensure protection of human health and the environment, it is appropriate to require that such exemption can only apply if the pesticides are explicitly authorised for aerial use by unmanned aircraft systems. Such explicit authorisation of pesticides for aerial use by unmanned aircraft systems would ensure that any potential risks to human health and the environment from exposure to such pesticides are thoroughly assessed as part of the authorisation process. As the authorisations of pesticides are regulated under Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council2 , the Commission should mandate the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) to develop a guidance document on risk assessment of pesticides for application by unmanned aircraft systems under Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 in order to ensure that a robust framework of safeguards is in place. | (3) In order to ensure protection of human health and the environment, it is appropriate to require that such exemption can only apply if the pesticides are explicitly authorised for aerial use by unmanned aircraft systems. Such explicit authorisation of pesticides for aerial use by unmanned aircraft systems would ensure that any potential risks to human health and the environment from exposure to such pesticides are thoroughly assessed as part of the authorisation process. As the authorisations of pesticides are regulated under Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council2 , the Commission should mandate the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) to develop a guidance document covering the risk assessment of aerial spraying of pesticides for application by unmanned aircraft systems under Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 in order to ensure that a robust framework of safeguards is in place. |
| 2 Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 October 2009 concerning the placing of plant protection products on the market and repealing Council Directives 79/117/EEC and 91/414/EEC OJ L 309, 24.11.2009, pp. 1, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2009/1107/oj). | 2 Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 October 2009 concerning the placing of plant protection products on the market and repealing Council Directives 79/117/EEC and 91/414/EEC OJ L 309, 24.11.2009, pp. 1, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2009/1107/oj). |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (3a) To encourage the use of low-risk plant protection products and reduce administrative burden both for professional users and competent authorities, Member States should replace the approval of an application plan with a prior notification of such applications. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (6) Given the need to address perceived remaining knowledge and data gaps before the types of unmanned aircraft systems that have lower or equal risks compared to the risks arising from land-based application equipment for the same use can be identified, it is appropriate to allow time for the Commission to consult EFSA and the Member States in preparation of a delegated act identifying those types of unmanned aircraft systems that may be exempted from the prohibition of aerial spraying. The Commission should be empowered to adopt a delegated act in accordance with Article 20a to identify types of unmanned aircraft systems for which it can be established that the risks from exposure to pesticides to human health and the environment is equal to or lower than from the use of land-based application equipment for the same use. Adoption of this delegated act should be a precondition for the possibility for Member States to exempt such types of unmanned aircraft systems from the prohibition of aerial spraying. Pending the identification of the types of unmanned aircraft systems that may be exempted and the decision by a Member State to exempt those identified unmanned aircraft systems from the prohibition on aerial spraying, it is appropriate to continue to require a professional user to submit requests for approval of aerial spraying by all unmanned aircraft systems. | (6) Given the need to address perceived remaining knowledge and data gaps before the types of unmanned aircraft systems that have lower or equal risks compared to the risks arising from land-based application equipment for the same use can be identified, it is appropriate to allow time for the Commission to consult EFSA and the Member States in preparation of a delegated act identifying those types of unmanned aircraft systems that may be exempted from the prohibition of aerial spraying. The Commission should be empowered to adopt a delegated act in accordance with Article 20a to identify types of unmanned aircraft systems for which it can be established that the risks from exposure to pesticides to human health and the environment is equal to or lower than from the use of land-based application equipment for the same use. Pending the identification of the types of unmanned aircraft systems that may be exempted and the decision by a Member State to exempt those identified unmanned aircraft systems from the prohibition on aerial spraying, it is appropriate to continue to require a professional user to submit requests for approval of aerial spraying by all unmanned aircraft systems. Pending the adoption of the delegated act, Member States should have the possibility to introduce horizontal exemptions from the prohibition of aerial spraying for professional users. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (8a) In accordance with the principle of proportionality, the Commission should assess the economic impact on agricultural producers before adopting delegated or implementing acts that significantly affect the availability or use of production inputs, taking into account the availability of alternatives and the specific situation of small and peripheral markets. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 5. ‘aerial spraying’ means application of pesticides from a manned aircraft or an unmanned aircraft system; | 5. ‘aerial spraying’ means application of pesticides from a manned aircraft, excluding an application by an unmanned aircraft system;’ |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 5a. ‘unmanned aircraft system’ means any aircraft with equipment for aerial application of pesticides, operating autonomously or piloted remotely without a pilot on board; | 5a. ‘unmanned aircraft system’ means any aircraft with equipment for application of pesticides, operating autonomously or piloted remotely without a pilot on board; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (ba) the following point 5aa is inserted: | |
| 5aa. ‘Precision application technologies means application methods, including drones and precision-equipped agricultural machinery enabling site-specific, targeted, AI-driven application systems and geospatial technologies, that significantly reduce exposure of humans and the environment compared to conventional techniques.'; |
| Present text | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (-a) paragraph 1 is replaced by the following: | |
| 1. Member States shall ensure that aerial spraying is prohibited. | “1. Member States shall ensure that aerial spraying is prohibited excluding pesticides application by unmanned aircraft systems.” |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| ‘The prohibition provided for in the first subparagraph may only be derogated from in accordance with paragraphs 2 to 6 of this Article or with Article 9a.’ | ‘The prohibition provided for in the first subparagraph may only be derogated from in accordance with paragraphs 2 to 6 of this Article.’ |
| Present text | Amendment |
|---|---|
| (ba) paragraph 4 is replaced by the following: | |
| 4. A professional user wishing to apply pesticides by aerial spraying shall submit a request for approval of an application plan to the competent authority accompanied by evidence to show that the conditions referred to in paragraphs 2 and 3 are fulfilled. The request for application of aerial spraying in accordance with the approved application plan shall be submitted in due time to the competent authority. It shall contain information about the provisional time of spraying and the amounts and the type of pesticides applied. | “4. A professional user wishing to apply pesticides by aerial spraying shall submit a request for approval of an application plan to a competent authority accompanied by evidence to show that the conditions referred to in paragraphs 2 and 3 are fulfilled. The request shall be submitted in due time to a competent authority. It shall contain information about the intended time of spraying, the crop, the amounts, the type of pesticides applied, and the area planned to be treated. |
| Member States may provide that requests for applications of aerial spraying in accordance with an approved application plan, for which no answer was received on the decision taken within the time period laid down by the competent authorities, shall be deemed to be approved. | Following the request for approval of an application and in the absence of answer, within the time period laid down by the competent authority, this approval shall be deemed to be granted. |
| In particular circumstances such as emergency or specific difficult situations, single requests for application of aerial spraying may also be submitted for approval. Where justified, competent authorities shall have a possibility to apply an accelerated procedure in order to verify that the conditions referred to in paragraphs 2 and 3 are fulfilled before the application of aerial spraying. | |
| Member States may allow low risk plant protection products within the meaning of Article 47 of Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 to be exempted from the request for approval of an application plan provided a prior notification is submitted to the competent authorities. The prior notification shall contain information about the type of pesticides applied.'. | |
| In particular circumstances such as emergency or specific difficult situations, single requests for application of aerial spraying may also be submitted for approval. Where justified, competent authorities shall have a possibility to apply an accelerated procedure in order to verify that the conditions referred to in paragraphs 2 and 3 are fulfilled before the application of aerial spraying. | In particular circumstances such as emergency or specific difficult situations, single requests for application of aerial spraying may also be submitted for approval. Where justified, competent authorities shall have a possibility to apply an accelerated procedure in order to verify that the conditions referred to in paragraphs 2 and 3 are fulfilled before the application of aerial spraying.” |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Aerial spraying of pesticides by unmanned aircraft systems | Application of pesticides by unmanned aircraft systems |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| By way of further derogation from Article 9(1), Member States may, in the case of professional users, exempt from the prohibition laid down in that Article, the aerial spraying of pesticides by unmanned aircraft systems identified pursuant to paragraph 2. | Member States shall in the case of professional users, authorise, the aerial spraying of pesticides by unmanned aircraft systems identified pursuant to paragraph 2 where a risk assessment demonstrates equal or lower risk compared to ground-based application. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| Pesticides to be used for aerial spraying by such unmanned aircraft systems shall be explicitly authorised for that use by the Member State under Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 following a specific assessment addressing risks from aerial spraying. | Pesticides to be used for aerial spraying by such unmanned aircraft systems shall be those authorised for terrestrial use by the Authority or zone under Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 or those covered by a permit for experiments or tests under Article 54 of Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009, for aerial spraying. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 2. The Commission shall adopt a delegated act by [OP: please insert the date = 4 years after the entry into force of this Directive] in accordance with Article 20a supplementing this Directive to identify the types of unmanned aircraft systems that have lower or equal risks compared to the risks arising from land-based application equipment for the same use.; | 2. The Commission shall adopt a delegated act by [OP: please insert the date = 1 year after the entry into force of this Directive] in accordance with Article 20a supplementing this Directive to identify the types of unmanned aircraft systems that have lower or equal risks compared to the risks arising from land-based application equipment for the same use.’; |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 2a. Pending the adoption of the delegated act referred to in paragraph 2, Member States may, in the case of professional users, exempt from the prohibition laid down in Article 9(1), the aerial spraying of pesticides by unmanned aircraft systems, provided that the safety conditions for such spraying have been established. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 2. The power to adopt delegated acts referred to in Article 5(3), Article 8(7), Article 9a(2), Article 14(4) and Article 15(1) shall be conferred on the Commission for a period of [OP: please insert the date = five years after the date of entry into force of this Directive]. The Commission shall draw up a report in respect of the delegation of power not later than nine months before the end of the five-year period. The delegation of power shall be tacitly extended for periods of an identical duration, unless the European Parliament or the Council opposes such extension not later than three months before the end of each period. | 2. The power to adopt delegated acts referred to in Article 5(3), Article 8(7), Article 9a(2), Article 14(4) and Article 15(1) shall be conferred on the Commission for a period of [OP: please insert the date =two years after the date of entry into force of this Directive]. The Commission shall draw up a report in respect of the delegation of power not later than six months before the end of the two-year period. The delegation of power shall be tacitly extended for periods of an identical duration, unless the European Parliament or the Council opposes such extension not later than three months before the end of each period. |
| Text proposed by the Commission | Amendment |
|---|---|
| 1. Member States shall bring into force the laws, regulations and administrative provisions necessary to comply with Article 1 of this Directive by [OP: please insert the date = 5 years after the entry into force of this Directive.] at the latest. They shall forthwith communicate to the Commission the text of those provisions. | 1. Member States shall bring into force the laws, regulations and administrative provisions necessary to comply with Article 1 of this Directive by [OP: please insert the date = 1 year after the entry into force of this Directive.] at the latest. They shall forthwith communicate to the Commission the text of those provisions. |
Back matter, 2
Parts that accompany the text rather than belong to it: explanatory statement, annexes, opinions appended by other committees. Collapsed.
Explanatory statement 6 blocks
The proposal is part of the cross-cutting legislative simplification package announced in the European Commission’s Vision for Agriculture and Food, which aims to reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens while maintaining high standards for food and feed safety, and for the protection of human and animal health, and the environment. As an element of the 10th Simplification Omnibus, the proposal is also part of the “One Europe, One Market” Roadmap of the European Parliament, the Council of the European Union and the European Commission.
The co-rapporteurs generally welcome the Commission proposal, which avoids duplication and removes unnecessary reporting requirements, and they insist on faster transposition process and implementation of the Directive.
In particular, they support the proposed suggestion to provide specific rules facilitating the use of drones in the framework of Directive 2009/128/EC, including the possibility for Member States to introduce horizontal exemptions from the prohibition of aerial spraying for professional users. The co-rapporteurs believe that Member States should exempt from prohibition UAV use where risk assessment demonstrates equal or lower risk compared to ground-based application.
However, the co-rapporteurs consider that precision application techniques, that significantly reduce exposure of humans and the environment compared to conventional techniques, should be defined more clearly, taking into account the latest technological advancements
In addition, the co-rapporteurs consider that the Commission should assess the economic impact on agricultural producers and on the use of production inputs, taking into account the availability of alternatives and the specific situation of small and peripheral markets.
On this basis, the co-rapporteurs consider that the proposed amendments to Directive 2009/128/EC strike an appropriate balance between modernising plant protection practices and safeguarding human health and the environment. Facilitating drone-based application, where justified by risk assessment, and clarifying the definition of precision application techniques will improve efficiency and legal certainty, while due account must be taken of the economic impact on producers, particularly in small and peripheral markets.
Annex: declarations of inputs 4 blocks
Pursuant to Article 8 of Annex I to the Rules of Procedure, the rapporteurs declare that they included in their report input on matters pertaining to the subject of the file that they received, in the preparation of the draft report, from the following interest representatives falling within the scope of the Interinstitutional Agreement on a mandatory transparency register, or from the following representatives of public authorities of third countries, including their diplomatic missions and embassies:
| 1. Interest representatives falling within the scope of the Interinstitutional Agreement on a mandatory transparency register |
| COPA-COGEGA |
| ConfCooperative |
| CropLife |
| CIA – Agricoltori Italiani |
| European Union Cooper Task Force |
| Confagricoltura |
| Coldiretti |
| European Crop Care Association |
| Federchimica-Agrofarma |
| Bayer AG |
| BASF |
| Corteva Agriscence |
| IBMA – International Biocontrol Manufacturers Association |
| Euroseed |
| 2. Representatives of public authorities of third countries, including their diplomatic missions and embassies |
| None |
Where natural persons are identified in the list by their name, by their function or by both, the rapporteurs declare that they have submitted to the natural persons concerned the European Parliament's Data Protection Notice No 484 (https://www.europarl.europa.eu/data-protect/index.do), which sets out the conditions applicable to the processing of their personal data and the rights linked to that processing.
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- Licensed CC BY 4.0.
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- 25 September 2026
Cite as
European Parliament (2026). “DRAFT REPORT on the proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council Amending Council Directive 98/58/EC and Directive 2009/128/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the simplification and strengthening of food and feed safety requirements, and repealing Council Directives 82/711/EEC and 85/572/EEC”. Text, 19 June 2026. docId CJ14-PR-789112. EU Parl Watch Research. https://news.eu-parl.st-solutions.dev/texts/CJ14-PR-789112 (retrieved 25 September 2026). Data: EP Open Data API: document record, https://data.europarl.europa.eu/api/v2/documents/CJ14-PR-789112 (CC BY 4.0).
BibTeX
@misc{epw-text-cj14-pr-789112,
author = {{European Parliament}},
title = {{DRAFT REPORT on the proposal for a directive of the European Parliament and of the Council Amending Council Directive 98/58/EC and Directive 2009/128/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the simplification and strengthening of food and feed safety requirements, and repealing Council Directives 82/711/EEC and 85/572/EEC}},
year = {2026},
date = {2026-06-19},
howpublished = {\url{https://news.eu-parl.st-solutions.dev/texts/CJ14-PR-789112}},
url = {https://news.eu-parl.st-solutions.dev/texts/CJ14-PR-789112},
urldate = {2026-09-25},
publisher = {EU Parl Watch Research},
note = {Text. docId CJ14-PR-789112. Data: EP Open Data API: document record (CC BY 4.0)}
}