European states reached an agreement on Wednesday regarding a reform that would extend the authorization of many pesticides for several years, despite warnings from scientists and environmental groups. The reform, part of a larger legislative package known as Omnibus X, has drawn criticism from non-governmental organizations (NGOs) who argue it weakens European standards for health and environmental protection. Scientists have expressed concerns about the potential risks linked to the Omnibus X reform, which would extend the authorization period for many pesticide ingredients without a new assessment of their dangers. The reform was introduced nearly a year ago by the European Commission, aiming to "reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens" on European agencies. However, the proposal has sparked significant controversy, with experts warning of possible health and environmental impacts. Last week, 573 scientists and doctors urged the suspension of negotiations until an independent evaluation of the reform's health and environmental consequences is completed. Despite this, European states continued with their agreement. Council representatives finalized a version of the text to defend in upcoming debates, giving a strong boost to the Omnibus X project, which had previously faced opposition from countries like France. The agreement includes some additional safeguards compared to the initial proposal from November 2025 but keeps the main changes wanted by the Commission. The reform moves away from the EU's current practice of systematically re-evaluating the toxicity of substances, allowing for unlimited authorization periods for those deemed "low risk." For substances with "normal to high" risk, the approval period would be extended to fifteen years for the first authorization (currently ten) and to twenty-five years for renewals (currently fifteen). This is primarily an administrative move, citing the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) being overwhelmed with work, leading to delays. The Omnibus X reform provides for automatic extensions of existing pesticide approvals. Around fifty active ingredients, including glyphosate, acétamipride, and captane, would have their authorization extended. Glyphosate and acétamipride would not be re-examined before 2043, while captane could remain on the market until 2049 without any re-evaluation of its potential dangers. A new safeguard allows states to request targeted evaluations if new studies raise doubts about a substance's toxicity, but they will no longer be able to directly ban products that national health agencies might prefer to ban. The compromise also extends the "grace periods" for industry to sell existing stocks after a possible ban on dangerous products, up to three years instead of the current one and a half years. It will also be easier for farmers to obtain exemptions to use banned pesticides if "production" is at risk. Environmental groups have called for protests during the weekend of October 10 and 11 in several French cities, calling the project "politically indefensible" and against the general will. Over 70 organizations, including Cancer colère, France nature environnement, Greenpeace France, and Notre Affaire à tous, support the call. The agreement reached on Wednesday does not mean the reform is fully adopted. However, it sets the stance the Council will defend against the European Parliament. The Parliament still needs to finalize its position in the coming weeks, with negotiations set to resume on October 5, according to the media Contexte. Both institutions will then need to negotiate a common text before a possible final adoption.