Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-002020/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Kristian Vigenin (S&D)
Bee-keeping is a vital part of EU agriculture, both economically and environmentally. Bees play a key role in pollinating crops and maintaining biodiversity in Europe. Safeguarding bee health is not only a matter of protecting producers of honey and bee products, but also of guaranteeing sustainable agriculture and food security for EU citizens.
At the same time, the use of certain pesticides has an adverse impact on the bee population. Scientific data and a host of testimonies from bee-keepers point to a worrying decline in bee colonies, with the chemicals used in agriculture remaining one one of the main reasons for this.
In the light of the above, I would like to ask the following questions:
- 1.What concrete steps is the Commission taking to speed up the establishment of the European Reference Laboratory, whose aim is to strengthen the monitoring and control of pesticide residues, especially those affecting bee health?
- 2.Is the Commission considering introducing increased restrictions or bans on active substances in pesticides that are proven to be harmful to pollinators?
- 3.Is targeted financial support being envisaged for sustainable farming research and practices that limit the use of harmful substances and promote the coexistence of agriculture and bee-keeping?
Submitted: 20.5.2025