France’s Constitutional Council has blocked a key provision in the “Duplomb law” that would have permitted the use of the pesticide acetamiprid, a substance banned since 2020 for its harmful effects on pollinators. The Council ruled that the proposed reauthorization violated France’s constitutional right to a healthy environment, enshrined in the 2004 Environmental Charter.

The court’s decision follows weeks of mounting public opposition, including a petition that gathered over two million signatures, and vocal criticism from environmental groups, scientists, medical professionals, and beekeepers. The case marks a significant moment in French environmental law, reinforcing the legal power of the country’s environmental charter in blocking legislation deemed ecologically harmful.

The controversial provision, embedded in a broader agricultural reform package known as the Duplomb law, sought to reintroduce acetamiprid for use by certain farmers, notably beet and hazelnut growers. These producers have argued that the pesticide is essential to combat virus yellows and other pest-related threats, especially as they face increasing competition from other European Union nations where acetamiprid remains legal.

Acetamiprid is part of the neonicotinoid family of insecticides, a group of chemicals widely criticized for their devastating effects on pollinators, particularly bees. Scientific studies have linked neonicotinoids to a range of harmful impacts on bees, including impaired navigation, reduced reproductive success, and increased mortality rates. While acetamiprid is considered less toxic than some of its counterparts, such as imidacloprid or clothianidin, environmental advocates argue that its continued use still poses unacceptable risks.

Pollinators like bees, butterflies, and other insects are vital to ecosystems and agriculture, contributing to the reproduction of more than 75% of the world’s food crops. Declines in pollinator populations, driven by habitat destruction, disease, climate change, and pesticide exposure, have triggered global concern over food security and biodiversity loss.

The French Constitutional Council’s ruling reaffirms the state’s obligation to prevent environmental degradation, even in the face of economic pressures. In its decision, the Council underscored that protecting ecological systems and public health must take precedence over short-term agricultural advantages.

Environmental organizations hailed the decision as a victory for biodiversity and a turning point in environmental governance. “This ruling shows that the right to a healthy environment is not symbolic — it has real legal force,” said a spokesperson for France Nature Environnement, one of the many groups that mobilized against the bill.

On the other side, farmer unions expressed disappointment, warning of potential crop losses and competitive disadvantages in the European market. They called for increased research into sustainable pest control alternatives and greater state support for transitioning to agroecological practices.

The debate over acetamiprid highlights broader tensions between agricultural productivity and ecological responsibility, a balancing act that is likely to shape future environmental and food policy not only in France but across the European Union.