Biocontrol in questions for confirmation hearings

In September 2024, Ursula von der Leyen proposed a team of Commissioner- designates and revealed goals for each of them. The Mission Letters relating to  Agriculture and Health included mandates on biocontrol. To be approved and appointed, Commissioners-designate will appear in confirmation hearings at the European Parliament from 4 November.  As a result of IBMA’s advocacy work to keep biocontrol at the center of the debate, MEPs will ask several questions addressing biocontrol, the authorization process, and ways to accelerate market entry.  They will also ask questions on other commission priorities relevant for biocontrol.  The full Commission needs to be elected by a simple majority of the votes cast in plenary, by roll call, which is currently scheduled on 25-28 November, in Strasbourg. 

Here is an overview of questions from the various institutional bodies and political parties directly related to biocontrol as well as questions on the Vision of agriculture, the Biotech Act and the Clean Industrial Deal 

Olivér Várhelyi (Health and Animal Welfare)

• His Mission Letter refers to “the accelerated use of bio-controls.”  written answers have been available since 23 October) 

• Biocontrol: How will he improve authorization and accelerate the market entry of biocontrol solutions as alternatives to chemical pesticides? 

• Legislative Framework: Is he committed to a new framework for biocontrol products? 

• Fast-Track Authorization: Should biocontrol products be fast-tracked? 

• EU Zonal Authorization: Views on EU zonal authorization procedures for plant protection products.
   
  

Christophe Hansen (Agriculture and Food) 

• His Mission Letter includes developing a Vision for Agriculture and Food building on the recommendations of the Strategic Dialogue which include biocontrol.  

• Agricultural Vision: His approach to a comprehensive “Vision on Agriculture and Food” to secure fair incomes, improve supply chains, and attract young farmers. 

• Sustainability Support: How will he support farmers in achieving EU climate and biodiversity targets? 

• Common Agricultural Policy (CAP): Will he push for increased CAP funding to aid sustainable practices? 

• One Health Approach: Plans to collaborate on sustainable food systems and health initiatives. 
  
  

Jessika Roswall (Environment, Water Resilience, and Competitive Circular Economy) 

• Nature Restoration: Commitment to enforcing nature-related legislation and funding, including a potential Nature Restoration Fund. 

• Bioeconomy Strategy: Actions to sustainably grow the bioeconomy, enhancing EU competitiveness while preserving resources. 

• Clean Industrial Deal: Contributions to the Clean Industrial Deal. 
  
  

Teresa Ribera (Clean, Just, and Competitive Transition) 

• Green Deal Implementation: Steps to implement the Green Deal in ways that are fair, competitive, and beneficial for SMEs. 

• Environmental and Climate Targets: How she plans to close gaps in current policies and support climate goals. 

• Investment and Innovation: Creating a regulatory environment to encourage clean-tech investments. 
  
  

Stéphane Séjourné (Prosperity and Industrial Strategy) 

• Clean Industrial Deal Synergies: How will the Clean Industrial Deal complement the Green Deal? 

• Industrial Decarbonization: Specific strategies for supporting decarbonization in industry while safeguarding jobs and competitiveness. 

• Support for SMEs: Tailoring clean transition regulations to benefit SMEs. 
  
  

Process

The confirmation hearings will be streamed live. Commissioner-designates will present their programmes and answer oral questions from MEPs.  On completion of the evaluation process, the Conference of Committee Chairs will assess the outcome of all hearings and forward its recommendation to the Conference of Presidents. The latter will decide whether to close the hearings in its meeting on 21 November. The full Commission needs to be elected by a simple majority of the votes cast in plenary, by roll call, which is currently scheduled on 25-28 November, in Strasbourg.