Conditions favoring the reduction of pesticides: A qualitative comparative analysis of EU member states

Pesticide use in agricultural production presents a significant sustainability challenge, balancing crop protection against environmental and health risks. While the EU provides 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 public 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 contribute to an improved understanding of EU environmental policy implementation.