Thematic Strategy on Sustainable Use of Plant Protection Products

In June 2006, the “Thematic Strategy on Sustainable Use of Pesticides" was accepted by the European Commission. The implementation, through Framework Directive 2009/128/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 October 2009 establishing a framework for Community action to achieve the sustainable use of pesticides, aims at minimising hazards and risks to human health and the environment associated with the use of pesticides. In addition, the Directive promotes inter alia the use of an integrated pest management and alternative techniques such as non-chemical alternatives. Up to now the Pesticides Thematic Strategy and the corresponding directive focus on plant protection products. However, the possibility of extending the directive to biocides is retained.