World
France: Parliament reauthorizes two pesticides, environment minister nearly resigns
On July 21, 2026, France's parliament passed legislation allowing the Anses to grant exemptions for acetamiprid and flupyradifurone in several struggling agricultural sectors. The Senate approved the bill 214-111. Both substances are authorized in the EU but had been banned in France until now. Environment Minister Monique Barbut submitted her resignation on July 22 before being persuaded to stay. Beekeepers and environmental organizations condemn the law as disastrous for bees and biodiversity.