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Zwischen 2019 und 2021 wurden im Rahmen der Europäischen Bürgerinitiative (EBI) „Bienen und Bauern retten!“ mehr als eine Million Unterschriften gesammelt. In der EBI wird eine Verringerung des Einsatzes von Pestiziden bis zu deren vollständiger Abschaffung bis 2035 gefordert. Die Kommission hat die Initiative begrüßt. Nach einer Anhörung im Januar 2023 wird das Europäische Parlament die Initiative während der März-I-Plenartagung erörtern.

Every year, the EU's 600 000 beekeepers and their 16 million beehives produce 200 000 tonnes of honey. This is not however sufficient to cover demand on the EU market, and the shortfall is made up by imports, above all from China. Threats to bee health and market competition make the economic viability of apiculture a critical matter. EU policies aim therefore to address these issues and promote beekeeping, an activity that is of vital importance to the environment.

Reports about bee colony losses and damage have increased in recent years all over Europe. Neonicotinoids, a class of systemic insecticides, are more frequently associated with the pollinator declines. The present briefing note gives an overview about neonicotinoid uses and recent scientific findings on their impact on bee colony survival and development. Risk-mitigation measures aimed at protecting non-target organisms (such as bees), are outlined and discussed.