On 15 July 2025, the Commission published updated progress towards pesticide reduction targets for the period 2011-2023.
EU trends in the use and risk of chemical pesticides
EU trends in the use of more hazardous pesticides
In the first six years (2018 to 2023), there was an overall decrease of 58% in the use and risk of chemical pesticides from the baseline period of 2015-2017. Between 2022 and 2023, there was a decrease, relative to the baseline, of 6%.
In the first six years (2018 to 2023), there was an overall decrease of 27% in the use of more hazardous pesticides from the baseline period of 2015-2017. Between 2022 and 2023, there was a decrease, relative to the baseline, of 3%.
The overall downward trends, in the first six years, shows that both 50% reduction targets can be achieved by 2030.
Member States are encouraged to keep ensuring that chemical pesticides are only used as a last resort, in non-agricultural settings as well as on farms. By consistently applying the principles of integrated pest management (IPM), farmers can reduce their reliance on chemical pesticides without jeopardising the profitability of their enterprises.