Today, I met via video conference with the , Ms Veronika Vrecionová. I presented the following to her:
• the problem of counterfeit honey in Europe. In particular, I asked her to warn the European Commission that the measures being prepared by the Hony Platform should be adopted much more quickly.
• I asked her to support the efforts of European beekeepers and Commissioner Hansen’s proposal for incentives per beehive as compensation for the pollination service provided by bees.
• I stressed the great importance of uniform labelling of honey in Europe with a precise indication of the country of origin, while at the same time noting the need to ensure the possibility of its implementation in practice by 1 June 2026, when this regulation will enter into force.
• I drew her attention to the problem of importing honey from Ukraine, which is most often not even honey from Ukrainian beekeepers. Border controls, especially regarding traceability, need to be tightened.
• I asked her to support the EBA’s initiative to launch a pan-European campaign: Europeans buy local, European food. In view of all the issues and initiatives raised, I asked her to include a special item on beekeeping in the Agri Committee meeting agenda as soon as possible. The Committee Chair is aware of the problems in beekeeping and will do her best to help. She promised to propose that the Agri Committee consider a special item on beekeeping in a meeting in 2026.
Boštjan Noč, President of European Beekeeping Association
