The Council has adopted a targeted revision of EU plant health legislation, improving the way the EU combats plant pests, ensures the safety of plants entering the EU, and simplifies procedures.

One of the ways the revision enhances the existing framework and better protects plant health is through the establishment of a Union Plant Health Emergency Team. This team will consist of specialized plant health experts who can provide assistance in the event of new pest outbreaks within the EU. The team can also offer urgent assistance and expertise to neighboring non-EU countries in case of outbreaks, to prevent harmful plant pests from entering the EU.

Additionally, the revised regulation reduces the administrative burden for the competent authorities by extending the duration of their multi-annual survey programs. These will now cover a period of five to ten years, instead of the current five to seven years. To ensure timely detection of pests, these programs will be reviewed and updated when necessary to respond efficiently to plant health situations.

Greater digitalization will also reduce bureaucracy for both operators and national authorities.