An article in the Guardian (23 March 2017) has stated that the EC is poised to pass regulations that would ban the use of Neonicotinoid pesticides throughout Europe. The only exclusion would be greenhouse production.
As a Consulting Arborist, I have witnessed the devastating results of Neonic use on pollinator and beneficial insect populations. While many professionals who use these chemicals are conscientious and follow label instructions to the letter, Neonics are systemics that have a multi-month field life and so even being true to the label does not prevent pollinator mortality.
Here’s the link to the article, announcing this important step forward in increasing quality of life for all things that co-exist with us, within the Urban Forest and beyond:
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/mar/23/europe-poised-for-total-ban-on-bee-harming-pesticides