On April 8, 2026, the regular annual Assembly of the European Beekeeping Association (EBA) was held via the online platform. The assembly was attended by representatives of member states, as well as members of scientific committees, while interested organizations had the opportunity to participate as observers without the right to vote.
During the Assembly, a constructive dialogue was conducted among the participants, with the active participation of representatives from different countries.
The main topic of the session was the EBA Work Program for 2026, within which key priorities and directions of action were defined. Special emphasis was placed on activities related to the improvement of the honey market and the fight against counterfeit honey.
On that occasion, the President of the EBA presented the activities and importance of the scientific committee’s work, especially within the Honey Platform, emphasizing its role in strengthening professional capacities and participating in the creation of European policies in the field of beekeeping.
Within the Work Program, it was pointed out that a series of activities related to the improvement of quality control and traceability of honey is underway. The President particularly emphasized the importance of applying the new rules from June 14, 2026, when the obligation to clearly label honey with the exact countries of origin comes into force, which represents an important step towards greater market transparency.
It was also emphasized that it is necessary to intensify communication and public information on these topics, as well as that it is necessary to continuously work on consumer education in order to increase awareness of the importance of honey quality and the recognition of counterfeit products. The position is that all EBA members must be actively involved in these activities, through joint action, education and public communication, as well as that it is necessary to work on continuous promotion of beekeeping and raising consumer awareness.
The president also pointed out that, if the EBA wants to remain a strong and influential alliance in the long term, more active participation in international and European projects is necessary, including preparation and applying for relevant funds and support programs. In this way, more stable resources for work, capacity building and long-term sustainability of the Association’s activities are ensured.
Additionally, it was proposed that all EBA members organize and participate in a joint professional congress once every two years, as an important mechanism for knowledge exchange, improvement of professional cooperation and strengthening of unity within the Alliance.
It was also pointed out that the Committee for Honey Quality and the Committee for Bee Health work intensively and with a high level of activity, as well as that the Committee for Apitherapy is particularly active. Young beekeepers are also very involved in the work of the Association, which further strengthens the future development of the organization. As part of the further development of the EBA structure, new working groups are also being established, with the aim of more efficient implementation of program activities and the inclusion of a greater number of experts.
Special attention was paid to the topics of incentives per hive in European countries, as well as to the improvement of cooperation with other beekeeping associations.
During the discussion, experiences and examples of good practice were exchanged, with the aim of strengthening joint action and improving the position of beekeepers at the European level. It was also pointed out that the European Beekeeping Association sent a letter to the competent institutions regarding the control of the Mercosur agreement, emphasizing the need for additional measures and activities to prevent counterfeit honey from being placed on the market.
During the session, other key activities, priorities and further directions of action of the EBA were discussed.