Work

Conditions Favoring the Reduction of Pesticides: A Qualitative Comparative Analysis of EU Member States

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: ABSTRACT Pesticide use in agricultural production presents a significant sustainability challenge, balancing crop protection against environmental and health risks. While the EU pro‐vides a common regulatory framework, the implementation in the member states varies considerably. By means of a fsQCA we investigate the conditions for implementation success of pesticide reduction policies. Building on recent literature on differentiated policy implementation (DPI) in the EU, we examine the role of political parties, interest groups, and public salience. Our findings reveal four distinct pathways to successful pol‐icy implementation: (1) high public concern and green representation in parliament compensating for weak lobbying, (2) high‐capacity interest groups exploiting high pub‐lic concern even in unfavorable political climates, (3) coalitions of interest groups, green parliamentarians, and public concern driving implementation, and (4) high‐capacity interest groups compensating for low public and political support. We thereby contrib‐ute to an improved understanding of EU environmental policy implementation.

Source: Review of Policy Research

DOI: 10.1111/ropr.70021

Authors: Giulia Bazzan, Johanna Kuenzler, Colette S. Vogeler

Institutions: Tilburg University, FHNW University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland, German University of Administrative Sciences

Language: English

Topic: European Union Policy and Governance

Subfield: Political Science and International Relations

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Peace, justice, and strong institutions, Zero hunger

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,300