European Union Council scales back biocontrol regulation measures

The European Union Council has reached an agreement on the biocontrol omnibus regulation, a move that IBMA España claims reduces the scope of original measures proposed by the European Commission.

The initial proposal from Brussels aimed to simplify regulatory procedures and accelerate the availability of sustainable biocontrol tools to combat new pests and climate change effects. However, negotiations among member states have limited many simplification measures to substances classified as ‘low risk’, excluding various other biocontrol solutions.

IBMA España warns that this limitation could lead to legal uncertainty, fragmented application of rules across member states, and reduced effectiveness in providing farmers with rapid access to necessary tools. While the mandate prioritizes the evaluation of biocontrol substances at a European scale, the organization argues the actual impact of the simplification measures is significantly diminished compared to the Commission’s original vision.