European Beekeeping Association trying to block larger duty-free honey imports from Ukraine

MOSCOW. Aug 12 (Interfax) - The European Beekeeping Association (EBA), headquartered in Slovenia, is protesting the decision previously agreed by the European Commission (EC) to increase the quota for duty-free honey imports from Ukraine from 6,000 tonnes to 35,000 tonnes per year, and EBA is calling for postponing it until the introduction of more reliable, in its opinion, honey quality control systems.

EBA has sent a corresponding letter to the European Commission, Ukrainian media reported, citing the Slovenian Press Agency (STA).

According to the association, the European honey market is currently facing increasing competition from cheap imported honey, often of questionable quality and unknown origin in the absence of effective control mechanisms.

In the letter, in particular, EBA identified a number of legislative gaps that allow falsification of honey. European beekeepers are particularly concerned about insufficient border controls, weak traceability and the lack of uniform methods for verifying the authenticity of honey at the EU level.

EBA said in a letter addressed to the EC that the association supports assistance to Ukraine, but warns that any new trade agreement should also consider the interests of European farmers, especially in the sensitive beekeeping sector.

EBA, founded in February 2024, currently includes 55 organizations from 30 countries representing more than 414,000 beekeepers, the association's website said. The Ukrainian Union of Beekeepers is also a member of the association.