The Executive Board of the EBA made a decision on the short-term activities of the EBA to stop counterfeits:
The European Beekeeping Association’s (EBA’s) main goal is to STOP counterfeits. The revised Honey Directive introduces requirements for uniform and clearer labelling of the origin of honey blends by country with the respective proportions, which is an excellent achievement. Additionally, Directive (EU) 2024/1438 states that harmonised methods for honey authentication will be selected, a European Reference Laboratory will be established, and recommendations will be issued for a traceability system to the importer and producer.
However, the projected timeframe for the full implementation of these measures—2028 or 2029—appears misaligned with the urgent nature of the issue.The EBA will direct all efforts to ensure that all commitments from the Directive are realized as soon as possible in the political field in the EU. Therefore, the first task of the EBA will be a conversation with all political decision-makers in this area. EBA believes that European policy will understand the problem and urgently protect consumers and beekeepers, because we believe that the EU Commission’s data on 46% of fake honey is a clear enough warning and alarm!
The EBA also follows, cooperates and supports the work of all beekeeping organizations in Europe, which is aimed at the same goal – stop counterfeiting. In the short term, the EBA will direct all its forces to a dialogue with the decision-makers, after all, the new EU leadership must be given a chance.
We will decide on possible protests in case of unsuccessful negotiations.