In 2025, European Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Christophe Hansen visited Slovenia on the occasion of World Bee Day. During his visit, he also met with representatives of the leadership of the European Beekeeping Association (EBA).
We presented one of the key initiatives of European beekeepers: the introduction of annual financial support for beekeepers based on the number of bee colonies, meaning support for every beehive.
We explained why European beekeeping deserves such direct support and why European legislation should allow this type of measure. Commissioner Hansen expressed his willingness to work towards a solution and to adapt the legislation to make such support possible.
In December 2025, the European Union adopted changes enabling this type of support.
Slovenia has now taken an important step further. By deciding to introduce annual support for beekeepers based on the number of bee colonies from 2028 onwards, Slovenia will demonstrate that such a measure can also be implemented in practice.
This is a great example of how an initiative from European beekeepers, dialogue with European decision-makers and concrete national implementation can together bring about meaningful change for beekeeping.
🐝 From an idea, to a European decision, to implementation in practice.
A historic day for Slovenian beekeeping – support per hive starting no later than 2028!
A meeting took place today at the Ministry of Agriculture between Minister Janez Cigler Kralj and his team and the President of the Slovenian Beekeepers’ Association, Boštjan Noč, and his team.
Today can be described as a historic day, as Minister Janez Cigler Kralj gave assurances that, for the first time in Slovenia’s history, a system of support per hive will be established, with payments commencing in 2028. The Minister and his team are examining the possibility of providing support as early as 2027, though he cannot yet make a firm promise to that effect. The per-hive support will be available to all beekeepers who have their bee colonies registered in the apiary register—covering approximately 200,000 colonies. The amount involved is around 10 euros per bee colony.
Boštjan Noč, President of the Slovenian Beekeepers’ Association (ČZS), commented:
Today’s meeting demonstrated that we are capable of taking effective action in this country! The Minister and his team showed the will and determination to resolve these matters. His very clear and unequivocal commitment that per-hive subsidies will be paid out for the first time in 2028 marks a historic turning point for beekeeping. We have hoped for, desired, and expected this for 20 years. Now, that commitment has finally been made!
