EFSA assesses risk of entry of bee pests into EU

The small hive beetle and the Tropilaelaps mite are currently not found in the EU but if established in this region could affect the health of bees, the beekeeping industry and the production of honey.

The European Food Safety Authority's experts, in March 2013, published a Scientific Opinion identifying the risks of introducing these pests in Europe, following a request from the European Commission.

On the 15 March 2013, national experts from EU states were poring over details of a new text on the proposed two-year ban on pesticides linked to catastrophic bee colony collapses, as the EU struggles to sign off on the measure.

EurActiv, 15.03.13: Judgment day: EU to vote on ‘chemical Armageddon’ for bees http://www.euractiv.com/climate-environment/judgement-day-eu-vote-chemical-a-news-518547

BBC, 15.03.13: Bee deaths: EU delays action on pesticides ban http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-21793365

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