The opinion analyses the extension at European level of the ban on the export of prohibited pesticides, initiated by Belgium in response to environmental and health concerns and unfair competition in the agricultural and food sectors. Belgium is seen as a key player in promoting an EU-wide harmonisation of rules on the export of prohibited pesticides on the basis of legislation that will take effect in May 2025. Justifications include protecting the health of citizens and workers, the environment, and ethics, warning against double standards and negative impacts on the EU’s reputation and sustainable development. This focus on the link between plant health and human health is in line with the One Health concept, which aims for transformative action through coherence between policies relating to human health, animal health, agriculture, food and the environment,…, so as to make them synergistic.