03/10/2026
Vigenin on North Macedonia: There will be no compromise on history or on the rights of Bulgarians
13/07/2025
As the socialists rapporteur, Kristian Vigenin won approval on two legislative acts
18/07/2025Vigenin on North Macedonia: There will be no compromise on history or on the rights of Bulgarians
13/07/2025As the socialists rapporteur, Kristian Vigenin won approval on two legislative acts
18/07/2025
Kristian Vigenin with a special commitment to protecting bees
The protection of bees is one of the priority topics MEP Kristian Vigenin works on. The disappearance of bees and other insects that perform vital ecological functions such as pollination, maintaining soil fertility and pest control is a serious threat to sustainable farming and to ecological balance.
Scientific research points to intensified agricultural production and the widespread use of pesticides as the main factors behind the drastic decline in insect populations. A particularly important role is played by the risk assessment guidance that determines the impact of pesticides on bees and other non-target arthropods. Unfortunately, outdated or inadequately applied guidance allows harmful substances to be approved, leaving critical gaps in the system of environmental protection.
Kristian Vigenin took part in a round table, with representatives of the European Food Safety Authority, scientists, civic organisations and MEPs, at which the consequences of insufficient protection of bees and other pollinators were discussed. The possibilities for updating and effectively applying the science-based guidance were discussed. The need for an open and balanced dialogue about the future of pesticide risk assessment in the EU was also recognised.
During the plenary session in June in Strasbourg, Kristian Vigenin joined the debate on “Protecting bees: progress on the new EU Pollinators Pact” with a written statement. The MEP also received an answer to his written question to the European Commission about the measures in support of beekeeping within the Common Agricultural Policy. The Commission confirmed that it recognises the need to make access to funding easier, especially for small and medium-sized beekeeping holdings in less developed regions.
Under the package for simplifying the Common Agricultural Policy presented on 14 May 2025, there is provision for funding beehives under agri-environmental commitments and under eco-schemes. This will give member states more flexibility in their support for the sector. The Commission confirmed that beekeeping remains a priority sector in EU policy. Active efforts to cooperate with stakeholders and member states will continue, with the aim of developing long-term strategies for resilience, sustainable farming and the protection of pollinators and their habitats.
Kristian Vigenin has tabled two more questions in the Commission about:
- The protection of bees from harmful pesticides and the promotion of sustainable farming in the EU;
- The stage of application of Directive (EU) 2024/1438, related to the labelling and traceability of the origin of honey, as well as additional support for the beekeeping sector.
“Without bees there is no food, no biodiversity, no sustainable future. That is why working to save them is objectively work to save humanity,” the MEP commented.
