More than 270 civil society organisations - including BeeLife - have signed the Antwerp Counter-Declaration, urging the European Commission to listen to the wider public affected by deregulation and to ensure that policymaking prioritises the environment and the rights of 450 million European citizens over the demands of powerful industry lobbies. The declaration responds to growing concern that the Antwerp Declaration , promoted by major industrial actors, is increasingly shaping EU policy discussions around competitiveness and deregulation. Organisations such as Friends of the Earth Europe, The Good Lobby and Corporate Europe Observatory — together with initiators including European Federation of Public Service Unions , Climate Action Network Europe , European Environmental Bureau , ClientEarth , Transparency International EU , Foodwatch, Zero - Associação Sistema Terrestre Sustentável , Jesuit European Social Centre , Legambiente , Deutsche Naturschutzring , REVO Prosperidad Sostenible and WEAll Iberia — warn that Europe risks entering a dangerous phase of corporate-driven deregulation. Signatories highlight how key environmental, social and digital safeguards are being questioned or weakened through fast-tracked proposals and “Omnibus” packages introduced without robust scientific evidence, impact assessments or meaningful public consultation. At stake are protections that safeguard clean water, public health, biodiversity, labour rights and democratic accountability across the EU. The Antwerp Counter-Declaration therefore calls for a different path: transparent and evidence-based policymaking , stronger democratic participation, and economic strategies that invest in a sustainable, toxic-free and decarbonised future rather than subsidising highly polluting industries. To amplify the message, Friends of the Earth Europe also launched a creative communication campaign inspired by the style of a well-known TV series, using irony and familiar storytelling on social media to explain complex policy debates in a simple and engaging way — showing that even serious issues like deregulation and corporate influence can be communicated clearly, accessibly, and with a touch of humour. 👉 Read and download the declaration

BeeLife members gathered in Ireland on 20–21 February for the Annual General Assembly: a key moment to reconnect, exchange experiences, and strengthen our common voice for pollinators in Europe. During the Assembly, members discussed the major challenges facing the beekeeping sector and pollinators. These interconnected issues require coordinated action, stronger collaboration, and informed policymaking. The meeting was also an important institutional moment for the association: members elected the new BeeLife leadership for the coming term. We warmly congratulate the newly elected Board: President: Anna Ganapini (CONAPI, Italy) Vice President: Etienne Bruneau (APILOMBARDIA, Italy) Treasurer: Roderick Wheatley (UNAF, France) Secretary: Constantin Dobrescu (ROMAPIS, Romania) Board Members: Francesco Panella (UNAAPI, Italy), Ingrid Schmaranzer (BÖ, Austria), Frank Aletru (SNA, France), Torsten Ellmann (DIB, Germany), Richard Johansson (Biodlarna, Sweden), Kristian Stokholm (BIAVL, Denmark). A sincere thank you to the Irish organising team for their warm hospitality and excellent coordination of the Assembly. Activity Report 2025 In 2025, BeeLife worked to ensure that pollinators remained central to the European debate through advocacy on CAP reform, pesticide regulation, and new genomic techniques, while strengthening scientific collaborations and participating in key international events such as Apimondia. The year also laid the groundwork for future initiatives, including the EU BeeLover Project , a three-year campaign that will begin its implementation in 2026. Looking ahead, BeeLife will continue to strengthen policy advocacy, support evidence-based decision making, and expand alliances to defend pollinators and biodiversity across Europe. Being a niche sector does not mean being marginal. Pollinators connect agriculture, biodiversity, climate resilience, and food security — and BeeLife will continue to ensure their voice is heard. 👉 Read and download the full Activity Report 2025

Why BeeLife Members Are Calling for a New Approach to Land Management The crisis facing insect pollinators is no longer only an environmental issue. Today, it directly affects the economy, food security and the stability of Europe’s rural areas. Across the European Union, wild bees and honey bees are struggling to find sufficient habitat and resources, while their role in agriculture remains essential. At the end of 2025, our member Imkerverband Rheinland-Pfalz  clearly highlighted in its statements and publications that biodiversity loss is not a marginal phenomenon, expressing a position that BeeLife now amplifies as one shared by all its members. Intensive agriculture, soil artificialisation, the heavy use of pesticides and fertilisers, and the conversion of meadows, pastures, hedgerows and wetlands into uniform agricultural surfaces have drastically reduced living space for insects. This process, known as habitat loss, deprives pollinators of both food sources and breeding areas . As Thomas Hock, President of Imkerverband Rheinland-Pfalz, emphasises: “For pollinators, the challenge is not just survival, but finding landscapes that still allow them to fulfil their role. Without space, flowers and diversity, even the honey bee cannot compensate for what the agricultural system takes away from it.” An Ecosystem Service Worth Billions Recent estimates clearly show what is at stake: in Europe, a collapse of pollination services would result in economic damage amounting to tens of billions of euros. Many crops depend directly on insects for fruit and seed production. When wild pollinators decline, the pressure shifts to the honey bee. Yet colonies cannot become a technical fix for a structural problem. In a context dominated by pesticides, monocultures and climate stress, even managed honey bees see their capacity to adapt increasingly limited. Thomas Hock summarises it this way:  “Our colonies risk becoming a spare wheel for a system that simultaneously destroys their life-supporting foundations. We cannot ask bees to repair the damage caused by the agricultural model.” Fewer pollinators mean greater uncertainty for harvests, price volatility and vulnerability of food supply chains. The ecological crisis thus turns into a production and economic crisis. Pollinators Under Pressure: The Role of Pesticides Scientific research shows that pesticides not only cause immediate lethal effects, much more widespread are sublethal effects  that alter insect behaviour.  At realistic environmental concentrations, reductions are observed in foraging, nectar processing and brood care. From the outside, a colony may appear healthy, while internally its vital functions are compromised. Particularly problematic are mixtures of insecticides, herbicides and fungicides. These “cocktails” generate complex effects that often remain invisible when substances are assessed individually in authorisation procedures. “The issue is not only what we spray” - as Thomas underlines - “but how and how often. Chronic low doses and product combinations weaken colonies invisibly until the system can no longer cope.” For BeeLife, the way forward must be built on the rigorous evaluation of evidence, scientific literature and independent research, so that policies and practices can give concrete form to agricultural systems with a lower environmental footprint and real long-term viability. Without Pollinators, There Is No Economy The biodiversity crisis has now entered financial risk models. Studies by reinsurers, development banks and European institutions show that a significant share of economic output depends on functioning ecosystems: fertile soils, clean water, climate stability and pollinators. When these elements degrade, they become concrete risks for credit markets, investments and insurance. Unstable yields, extreme weather events and the loss of ecosystem services translate directly into economic losses. The financial sector is beginning to integrate biodiversity into risk assessment - not for ideological reasons, but to protect investments and long-term stability. New Responsibilities for Policy, Industry and Finance Biodiversity protection should not be seen as a cost, but as a condition for the economic and social stability of territories. With instruments such as the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive and the European Sustainability Reporting Standards - E4 standard, the European Union requires companies to be transparent about their impacts on nature and their dependence on ecosystems. At a different but complementary level, the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures initiative supports banks and investors in identifying and managing nature-related risks. This leads to a gradual shift in financing criteria: activities that degrade agricultural landscapes become riskier, while production models that protect soils, insects and habitats appear more resilient and attractive. Land Management: From Emergency to Strategy For BeeLife, protecting pollinators is not about planting a few flowers. It means rethinking land management: more hedgerows, field margins, permanent grassland and crop rotations, and less dependence on chemical inputs. BeeLife has already defended this position during the previous CAP negotiation (REF) and will do so again in the next one, whose negotiations have already begun.  The European framework, including the Nature Restoration Law and pollinator monitoring systems, moves precisely in this direction by linking measures, data and verifiable results. Protecting insect pollinators is a shared responsibility. Policymakers, industry and society must treat biodiversity as an essential resource, just like energy, water or transport. BeeLife and its members therefore send a clear message: investing in pollinators means investing in food security, economic stability and the quality of Europe’s landscapes. “Reducing chemical pressure, rebuilding habitats, diversifying agricultural landscapes and integrating nature into economic decision-making are no longer optional,” - states Anna Ganapini, President of BeeLife - “European citizens have made this clear as well, through initiatives such as Save Bees and Farmers  and, in France, the signature campaigns against the Duplomb law , which prompted the French Constitutional Council to strike down the reintroduction of a banned pesticide.” This article was written with the kind contribution of BeeLife member Imkerverband Rheinland-Pfalz e.V

A major scientific paper that for decades helped defend Monsanto’s glyphosate-based herbicide Roundup has been formally retracted for serious ethical concerns, as reported by The Guardian, The New York Times and other major news outlets. The journal Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology  withdrew the 2000 study “Safety Evaluation and Risk Assessment of the Herbicide Roundup and Its Active Ingredient, Glyphosate, for Humans”  after its editor-in-chief stated that the decision was taken because of “serious ethical concerns regarding the independence and accountability of the authors of this article and the academic integrity of the carcinogenicity studies presented”, according to The Guardian . The paper had concluded that glyphosate-based products posed no cancer, reproductive or endocrine risks and was widely cited by regulators around the world. However, documents disclosed during US litigation brought by cancer victims revealed Monsanto’s direct involvement in shaping the supposedly “independent” research . Internal emails show that Monsanto scientists helped draft, review and steer the publication, a strategy commonly described as ghostwriting , and that the company intended to use the study as “the” global reference to defend Roundup and glyphosate on the market. This news comes in the context of persistent public concern in Europe. As the Stop Glyphosate Coalition recalls, this chemical threatens human health and the integrity of biodiversity, soil, and water systems. More than one million Europeans called for a ban on glyphosate in 2017 , asking EU institutions to protect health and the environment. NGOs from across the EU joined forces within the Stop Glyphosate Coalition  to challenge the influence of Bayer and other chemical companies and to demand real change in pesticide policy, putting citizens, farmers, pollinators, and ecosystems before corporate interests. As we read on the Stop Glyphosate Coalition web pages , a poll conducted in six EU countries (Denmark, France, Germany, Poland, Romania and Spain) showed that 62% of respondents support a complete ban of glyphosate , while only 14% favour its prolonged use . Nevertheless, setting aside citizens’ requests and the lack of support from several Member States, the European Commission decided to renew the glyphosate market licence for another 10 years , despite data gaps and unresolved issues in the risk assessment conducted by EFSA. Within this context, the impact on pollinators represents one of the most critical environmental concerns. Bees can be exposed to this chemical either by direct contact or by ingestion via food and contaminated water. Several scientific findings have exposed that glyphosate and glyphosate-based herbicides (GBH) are toxic to bees in many ways . BeeLife has always stood alongside beekeepers, civil society and environmental organisations  in the fight against glyphosate.  The retraction revealed by The Guardian  once again shows that the glyphosate debate is far from settled. More than ever, BeeLife will continue working for a glyphosate-free future for people, bees and nature . Sources:  The Guardian , investigation on the retraction of the Monsanto-linked glyphosate study .  Stop Glyphosate Coalition, position and polling data on glyphosate renewal in the EU .

In today’s fragile ecological context, where the balance between development and environmental preservation is more urgent than ever, corporate responsibility is a necessity. With accelerating biodiversity loss, climate disruption, and increasing pressure on food systems, the ability of businesses to support resilient ecosystems is becoming an essential element of sustainable development. One of the most compelling examples of this shift is the collaboration between private brands and environmental organizations. These partnerships reflect a growing awareness: economic innovation must go hand in hand with environmental stewardship . Bees, Policy, and the Power of Advocacy Defending pollinators today means far more than planting flowers or building hives. It requires systemic change and coordinated action, particularly at the political and legislative level . That’s why BeeLife has intensified its advocacy efforts working directly with decision-makers in Brussels and Strasbourg  to push for more sustainable agricultural and land-use policies. This includes: The publication of science-based documents  like Work with Nature , Open letters to EU Commissioners, The co-creation of the Pesticide Phase-Out Roadmap Extensive campaigning and stakeholder consultations  across Europe. A Model for Business-Nature Cooperation Pollinators may be invisible to most European citizens, but not to companies that base their work on biodiversity and natural ingredients . This is precisely why Valmont , a luxury skincare brand based in Switzerland, has committed to supporting bee conservation through its Elixir des Glaciers program . Alongside product innovation, Valmont honors the knowledge and dedication of local beekeepers, like custodians of our natural heritage. Thanks to their long-term partnership with BeeLife, a broader vision is gaining traction: one where well-being and beauty are inseparable from a healthy planet. A New Balance is Possible As we confront the twin challenges of ecological collapse and social transformation, partnerships like that of BeeLife and Valmont represent a vital evolution: one in which companies take an active role in environmental diplomacy, where corporate social responsibility meets ecological intelligence . Our shared future depends on finding a new balance between economic growth and the natural systems that sustain life. Through united action, from field to Parliament, from science to citizens, from research to business, this balance is not just necessary: it is possible . Valmont & BeeLife - The video

BeeLife is proud to announce that it has been awarded EU funding for the EUBeeLovers Project , a major milestone for our organisation and for the European beekeeping community as a whole. The project is a large-scale, multi-year communication and awareness campaign dedicated to promoting the value of honey bees, the essential role of beekeepers, and the distinctive characteristics of sustainable European honey production, funded under the AGRIP-MULTI-2025-IM-SUSTAINABLE  call. The EUBeeLovers Campaign will be implemented primarily in Belgium , where BeeLife is headquartered. Thanks to its multilingual and European-wide approach , the campaign will also reach audiences well beyond national borders, strengthening awareness and engagement across the EU. Running from 2026 to 2028 , EUBeeLovers places bees and beekeeping at the centre of an ambitious, multidisciplinary communication and marketing strategy. With a total budget of €1 million , the campaign will combine public relations, digital communication, events, advertising and educational actions to reconnect consumers, farmers and decision-makers with the true value of pollinators, honey and sustainable food systems. At its core, EUBeeLovers is driven by a shared love for quality: the quality of production, the quality of ecosystems and the quality of conscious choices. The campaign aims to help consumers better understand honey—its origin, traceability and diversity—while supporting farmers in recognising the indispensable contribution of beekeeping and pollination to the resilience and prosperity of their crops and agricultural systems. This achievement reinforces BeeLife’s long-standing commitment to acting as a strong European voice for pollinators and apiculture, highlighting honey bees, their products and the people who care for them as key allies of biodiversity, sustainable agriculture and environmental responsibility. Call for Partners: Join the EUBeeLovers Project To ensure the successful delivery and impact assessment of this ambitious campaign,  BeeLife is launching open calls to identify strategic partners : Implementing Body (2026–2028) The selected Implementing Body will be responsible for the overall implementation of the EUBeeLovers Campaign, delivering integrated communication and marketing activities targeting consumers, farmers, beekeepers, media and decision-makers. Deadline for clarification requests: 19 January 2026 Submission deadline: 22 January 2026, 23:30 CET Evaluation Body (2026–2028) The Evaluation Body will carry out qualitative and quantitative assessments to measure the campaign’s impact on awareness, engagement, media reach and the Belgian honey market throughout the three-year period. Deadline for clarification requests: 19 January 2026 Submission deadline: 22 January 2026, 23:30 CET Specialised subcontractors (2026–2028) While BeeLife retains the role of overall project coordinator, the implementation of EUBeeLovers will be supported by a structured set of specialised subcontractors, selected through dedicated calls and organised into specific activity lots. These partnerships will cover key areas of the campaign, including: a permanent press office and media relations,  audiovisual and video production,  development and maintenance of a multilingual campaign website, radio advertising at national level,  creation and operational management of the European BeeLovers Network. The main technical specifications, scope of work and timelines for each subcontracting lot are outlined in the detailed document available here for download . Submission deadline: 29 January 2026, 23:30 CET ( deadline for questions Jan 26 ). Through EUBeeLovers, BeeLife seeks to build strong collaborations with experienced partners who share our values and ambition: promoting sustainable production, strengthening the role of beekeeping in society, and fostering informed, responsible consumption.

BeeLife European Beekeeping Coordination has launched the tender BeeLife/EUBEELOVERS/2025/02  to select an Evaluation Body  for its upcoming EU-funded awareness campaign, EUBEELOVERS , to be implemented in Belgium between 2026 and 2028. The selected contractor will carry out qualitative and quantitative assessments  to measure the impact of the campaign on public awareness, media reach, stakeholder engagement, and the Belgian honey market. Responsibilities include ex-ante, in-progress and ex-post evaluations, survey design and execution, and annual reporting. The total maximum budget available is €38,000 , and proposals must cover the full three-year monitoring period. Agencies with experience in survey methodologies (CATI, CAWI, CAMI, MAWI), project evaluation, and AGRIP promotion programmes  are particularly encouraged to apply. Key deadlines Deadline for sending request  for clarification to BeeLife:   19/01/2026 “ Receipt Time Limit” - Closing date and time for receipt of offers:   22/01/2026  – 23:30  (digital submission to salazar@bee-life.eu , simon@bee-life.eu , info@bee-life.eu ) BeeLife invites qualified organisations to contribute to a project aiming to enhance awareness of the environmental role of bees, support sustainable agriculture, and strengthen consumer preference for European honey. Tender is published here: https://www.publicprocurement.be/publication-workspaces/9deebb9d-5237-4ab4-978f-85baa0ccfd93/general For queries related to the competition, the contact persons will be Noa Simón Delso simon@bee-life.eu  and Andrés Salazar Abello salazar@bee-life.eu . Notifications for submission of tenders must be sent to info@bee-life.eu . When communicating, state the reference to the call for tenders (BeeLife/EUBEELOVERS/2025/02).

BeeLife European Beekeeping Coordination has launched the tender BeeLife/EUBEELOVERS/2025/01  to select an Implementing Body  for the large-scale EU-funded awareness campaign EUBEELOVERS , running in Belgium from 2026 to 2028. The chosen agency will be responsible for the full implementation  of the campaign, targeting farmers, beekeepers, consumers, media and decision-makers. Activities include organising press conferences, seminars and gala dinners for World Bee Day , managing social media channels , producing newsletters and thematic webinars , and running online advertising campaigns . All communication materials must be delivered in EN, FR, NL and DE. With a maximum budget of €367,400 , the contract requires strong experience in AGRIP promotional programmes or major public awareness campaigns. Agencies must demonstrate solid financial capacity, a qualified project team, and the ability to deliver multilingual, high-quality communication outputs over three years. Key deadlines Deadline for sending request  for clarification to BeeLife:   19/01/2026 “ Receipt Time Limit” - Closing date and time for receipt of offers:  22/01/2026 – 23:30 (digital submission to salazar@bee-life.eu , simon@bee-life.eu , info@bee-life.eu ) Tender is published here: https://www.publicprocurement.be/publication-workspaces/9601e5d0-ea3b-4906-b9fd-394796bef261/general For queries related to the competition, the contact persons will be Noa Simón Delso simon@bee-life.eu  and Andrés Salazar Abello salazar@bee-life.eu . Notifications for submission of tenders must be sent to info@bee-life.eu . When communicating, state the reference to the call for tenders (BeeLife/EUBEELOVERS/2025/01).

Research highlights a wide range of workable alternatives that reduce dependence on pesticides: Integrated Pest Management (IPM), biological control, ecological engineering, protective netting, natural insecticides, and mutual insurance schemes that protect farmers’ incomes. A recent technical synthesis (Worldwide Integrated Assessment Update - by  Furlan et. al.2021 ) details these alternatives and real-world success cases (e.g. mutual funds for maize, ecological engineering for rice). Integrated and Preventive Strategies Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and Monitoring:  treat only when and where necessary, based on economic thresholds and careful pest monitoring. This reduces chemical use while maintaining yields and farmer income. Mutual Funds / Insurance Schemes:  in some countries   mutual funds and no-profit insurance are tools that compensate for rare cases of damage, making IPM economically viable and fair for farmers. Ecological and Biological Control Biological Control & Ecological Engineering : Encourage natural enemies of pests through flower strips, hedgerows, nesting areas, and diversified landscapes. Use of beneficial insects and microorganisms reduces pest pressure while restoring ecosystem balance. Microbial Control Agents : Employ entomopathogenic fungi (e.g., Beauveria bassiana ), nematodes, or bacteria like Bacillus thuringiensis  to target specific pest species with minimal environmental impact. Habitat Manipulation : Enhance biodiversity within and around crops to strengthen natural regulation. Ecological engineering turns the field into a living system where nature helps nature. Innovative Methods for Perennial Crops Mating Disruption : Use of synthetic pheromones or vibration-based tools to confuse pests and prevent reproduction, effectively controlling moths and mealybugs while reducing insecticide resistance.` Exclusion Netting : Physical barriers (sometimes treated with natural repellents) that protect orchards and vineyards from invasive species such as Drosophila suzukii  and Halyomorpha halys , with proven success in reducing pest invasions. Targeted Biological Releases:  Introducing beneficial parasitoids such as Aphelinus mali  against woolly apple aphids or egg parasitoids against grape berry moths, restoring balance where chemical sprays have disrupted it. Natural and Bio-Rational Products Plant-Based and Natural-Derived Insecticides:  Substances such as neem ( Azadirachta indica ), pyrethrins, kaolin clay, essential oils, and fatty acid salts can reduce pest populations when used responsibly and in combination with biological control. Food-Derived Biorationals : Vegetable oils, sugar-based plant strengtheners, and natural repellents approved under EU regulation as “basic substances,” offering safe, residue-free pest management options. Potassium salts and Other Natural Compounds : Microbial-derived insecticides are effective against moths, leaf miners, and thrips in organic systems, though their use requires caution to protect beneficial species.

BeeLife’s perspective on the provisional political agreement On 3rd December, the Council of the EU and the European Parliament reached a provisional agreement on the regulation of New Genomic Techniques (NGTs), a step framed by EU institutions as necessary to boost competitiveness, accelerate innovation, and enhance the sustainability of European food systems. However, opportunities come with risks, which is why defining the regulatory framework is of utmost importance. The deal introduces a two-tier system to regulate plants obtained via NGTs, promising simplified procedures for NGT1 ,   plants that are considered “equivalent to conventional varieties”, and retaining current GMO rules for NGT2  modifications. Some EU countries (Denmark, Italy) highlight benefits: increased climate resilience, reduced inputs, faster breeding, but the deal contains profound structural weaknesses that raise red flags for environmental safety, pollinator protection, transparency, and farmers’ rights. Nevertheless, some NGT varieties currently being developed address other commercial concerns (e.g., starch properties of potatoes, poplar with altered wood to serve as a biomass, tobacco ...). From a pollinator-protection and biosafety standpoint, this agreement risks opening the door to widespread, untraceable deployment of synthetic organisms in the EU food chain, at a moment when policymakers are simultaneously weakening the tools needed to detect them and withdraw them from the market if something goes wrong. NGT1: Deregulation without safeguards Under the deal, Category 1 NGT plants , those deemed “equivalent to conventional plants”, will be subject to no risk assessment, no monitoring, no traceability, and almost no labelling . Seeds will be labelled, but the plants, food, and feed derived from them will not. This means that: Farmers cultivating conventional or organic crops will not know if their neighbouring fields contain NGT1 varieties. Food processors, retailers, and consumers lose all ability to choose or avoid  products derived from NGT1 organisms. Beekeepers whose bees visit these crops will not know if their neighbouring areas (in a radius of approx. 3 km) contain NGT1 varieties. Environmental authorities will have no monitoring tools to track unintended effects once NGT1 plants are released. This creates a systemic blind spot  at the very moment the EU is deregulating synthetic organisms whose ecological effects, especially on pollinators, soil microbiomes, and ecosystems, remain insufficiently understood. Even more worrying, member states are not obliged to implement coexistence measures  such as buffer zones, making contamination of organic and GMO-free chains more likely. This leaves sustainable sectors - including beekeeping, pollinator-dependent agriculture, and organic production - vulnerable and legally unprotected. No risk assessment: a strategic mistake The absence of any risk assessment for NGT1 plants stands in stark contrast to the demands of scientists and environmental agencies. The argument that modifications “could have occurred naturally” is scientifically misleading: natural occurrence is not a biosafety criterion. Without risk evaluation, monitoring, or traceability, authorities will not be able to detect unexpected ecological impacts , including effects on pollinators, soil organisms, or the spread of traits in wild plant populations. Moreover, if risks emerge, there is no mechanism to revoke market authorisation  for NGT1 plants. This regulatory void deprives society and administrations of the ability to respond to unforeseen problems. The combination - deregulation + loss of detection capacity - creates a structural vulnerability in Europe’s biosafety architecture. It undermines our ability to protect pollinators, ecosystems, food chains, and public trust. A small but important win regarding “sustainable criteria”: no herbicide tolerance or insecticide-producing traits in NGT1 One meaningful achievement secured by negotiators is the exclusion of: herbicide-tolerance traits production of “known” insecticidal substances Plants engineered to produce insect-killing toxins - which could harm pollinators and beneficial insects - will be relegated to Category 2, where full GMO-style rules apply. However, the fact that the “ known ” is added justifies the lack of studies and risk assessment before authorisation. Having suffered the unexpected too many times, beekeepers cannot agree on this formulation. European laws are founded on the precautionary principle. If someone wants to make a profit out of a product, the least to be asked is that the collateral impacts of such products are known. This is a welcome safeguard for bees and wild pollinators, and these traits remain eligible for NGT2 incentives. NGT2: Opt-out is preserved - but insufficient For Category 2 NGT plants , the existing GMO framework remains in place: labelling, traceability, authorisations, and the possibility for member states to opt out of cultivation . This opt-out represents one of the few concrete safeguards retained in the final text, but this protection does not cover NGT1 plants - meaning that the vast majority of synthetic organisms generated by NTGs entering the market may bypass all precautionary tools  designed to safeguard biodiversity and agriculture. Political outlook: the deal is not yet final The trilogue agreement must still be approved by: the Council of Agriculture Ministers , the European Parliament . There is no guaranteed majority. Some countries may oppose (or abstain ) the deal, and many Members of Parliament remain undecided. Given this ongoing political uncertainty, BeeLife, along with civil society, environmental organisations, beekeepers, organic producers, and concerned citizens, will continue to defend biosafety and transparency on this crucial topic until a final vote is secured. We recognise the potential of biotechnology to contribute to sustainable agriculture, but innovation must be deployed within a robust and transparent risk-management system - not through deregulation that obscures information from farmers, food operators, and consumers, and strips away the tools needed to safeguard ecosystems and pollinator populations. Innovation must not come at the cost of biosafety More on the BeeLife position on the NGT Regulation here: BeeLife.2025-Position on NGT-plants

A New Policy Brief to Rethink Agriculture Through the Lens of Pollinators . How can we build food systems that are both productive and truly sustainable? Our new Policy Brief on Pollinator-Friendly Agricultural Policies brings together a decade of scientific evidence to highlight why supporting pollinators is essential for ecosystem health, agricultural resilience, and human wellbeing. The brief offers a clear and accessible synthesis of specialized researches - fully listed in the reference section for those who wish to explore the science in depth. Our aim is to distil complex findings into readable, actionable insights for decision-makers and stakeholders across the food system. Why This Matters Now Pollinators, like bees, flies, beetles, butterflies, and many others, play a crucial role in global nutrition and food security. Yet their populations are under increasing pressure from habitat loss , climate change , pesticide use , and expanding monocultures . The scientific literature of the last decade paints a clear picture: safeguarding pollinators is not just about conserving nature - it is about protecting crop yields, biodiversity, community health, and long-term environmental stability. What the Research Reveals The evidence points towards solutions that are both practical and scalable: smarter landscape design, habitat targets, biodiversity-based approaches, and simple monitoring tools that can guide real-world decisions. Even crops not traditionally considered pollinator-dependent show unexpected benefits when pollinators thrive. Discover the Full Picture 👉 Read the full Policy Brief to explore the evidence, understand the implications, and discover the pathways to pollinator-friendly agriculture.

Over the last decade, the European Union has built a framework of directives and regulations designed to reduce the environmental impact of pesticides and promote a transition toward sustainable farming.These laws should define how Europe will protect the health of its citizens and its ecosystems. The Core Framework SUD — Sustainable Use Directive (2009/128/EC) Adopted in 2009, the SUD was the first step toward reducing pesticide-related risks. It asks every Member State to develop National Action Plans, limit chemical use, and promote Integrated Pest Management (IPM)  — a practical approach based on prevention and observation rather than routine spraying. SUR — Sustainable Use Regulation Proposed as an upgrade to the SUD, the SUR sought to make pesticide-reduction goals legally binding, setting clear targets across the EU — a 50% reduction in both use and risk.However, the Commission withdrew the proposal. NRL — Nature Restoration Law The NRL aims to restore natural areas and improve habitat conditions across Europe, helping ecosystems recover their functions and resilience. A healthier landscape supports both sustainable agriculture and thriving pollinators. This framework forms the regulatory backbone  of Europe’s pesticide policy: a bridge between science, policy, and public responsibility. Who Does What: National Filtering and Regional Implementation Turning European environmental goals into real action involves different levels of responsibility - and collaboration. At the EU level , the European institutions - together with the Member States - define the common framework and objectives  through directives and regulations. The EU also plays a monitoring and coordinating role , ensuring that shared environmental goals are pursued consistently across all countries. At the national level , governments are responsible for translating these European commitments into national strategies and legislation , adapting them to their agricultural and environmental contexts. At the regional and local levels , authorities and communities are where implementation takes shape on the ground , turning policies into real practices that protect nature, support farmers, and restore ecosystems. What Does This Mean for People? Less indiscriminate pesticide use:  Stronger rules mean fewer harmful chemicals released into the environment. Pathways for farmers: IPM, protective nets, and responsible approaches to crop protection offer practical and affordable ways to reduce pesticide dependence while maintaining productivity. Greater transparency:  Clear national plans and shared data ensure that everyone—from citizens to policymakers - can track progress. The Actual Situation: the impossible transformation of a Directive into a Regulation The Sustainable Use Regulation  was meant to transform environmental ambition into enforceable law. Citizens who supported sustainable farming and pollinator protection, over one million who signed the European Citizens’ Initiative “Save Bees and Farmers” , now see their voices sidelined by inaction. When institutions delay or dilute implementation, trust in science and governance weakens: European Commission and Member States remain committed to a 50% reduction target (or 80% following citizens’ demands), that rely on outdated tools producing only paper results -  reductions that exist in data, but not in the real world. An unsustainable status quo   for either environment nor European citizens. 🎥 Watch this short video by Global2000 to better understand the state of pesticide policy in Europe: BeeLife’s Perspective At BeeLife, we believe these challenges are not a sign of failure but of transition.Europe is learning that sustainability requires not only goals, but courage to align policy, science, and public will. By translating complex regulations into accessible knowledge, BeeLife helps citizens and farmers understand why  reducing pesticide dependence is essential to protecting what sustains us all: clean air and water, healthy soil, and safe food . Useful links Emergency Authorisations of Toxic Chemicals Continue to Jeopardise Environmental and Human Health in the EU: New Study Honeybees as Biomonitoring Tools for Agrochemical Exposure in Romanian Agricultural Landscapes Pollinating EU Conference Danish Parliament 22 September 2025: Save Bees and Farmers and proposals to incentivise pesticide use Reduction