June 2026
The Biocontrol Coalition has submitted its contribution to the European Commission’s Call for Evidence on the upcoming Biotech Act II, outlining how Europe can strengthen its competitiveness, innovation capacity and resilience through a more effective framework for biocontrol solutions.
The submission highlights a growing gap between the withdrawal of conventional plant protection products and the availability of sustainable alternatives. Despite the EU’s ambitions on innovation and competitiveness, biocontrol products continue to face lengthy, complex and fragmented approval processes, limiting farmers’ access to new solutions and discouraging investment in Europe.
To address these challenges, the Coalition calls for a more holistic and future-oriented approach that goes beyond sector-specific legislation. Key recommendations include faster and more predictable approval pathways, stronger mutual recognition across Member States, greater use of centralised evaluation approaches, enhanced scientific support for innovators, and the introduction of regulatory tools such as provisional authorisations and regulatory sandboxes.
The submission also highlights the need to bridge the gap between Europe’s scientific excellence and the successful deployment of innovation in the market. In this context, the Coalition emphasises the importance of more effective implementation of the “One Substance, One Assessment” principle, stronger mechanisms to avoid duplication across Member States, earlier scientific dialogue with innovators, digital-by-default regulatory systems, better use of data and AI.
The Coalition advocates for a stronger focus on translating Europe’s scientific excellence into practical solutions for farmers while maintaining high standards of safety and environmental protection.
Read the full submission to explore the Coalition’s recommendations for creating a more innovation-friendly and competitive framework for biocontrol in Europe.