The European Beekeeping Association (EBA) strongly opposed the proposed increase of the maximum residue level (MRL) of acetamiprid and its metabolites in honey to 1 mg/kg in the EU — a more than 300% increase compared to the current limit. Despite these concerns and lobbying efforts, the European Parliament adopted the proposal. This is deeply troubling given the potential impact on bees, food safety, and consumer trust. Croatian beekeepers have also raised serious transparency concerns: this was the only vote from the European Parliament’s 18 December 2025 plenary session for which individual MEP voting records were not published. Transparency in voting is a cornerstone of democracy. When decisions directly affect public health, the environment, and the integrity of natural products like honey, citizens have the right to know how their representatives voted — and why. The absence of this information undermines trust in EU institutions and calls for clear answers and full disclosure.
