B3-0184 and 0201/94

Resolution on beekeeping in the European Union

The European Parliament,

-having regard to the Oral Question with debate of its Committee on Agriculture, Fisheries and Rural Development (B3-0003/94 - 0-0010/94),

-having regard to the Commission's answer,

-having regard to its resolution of 15 May 1992 on beekeeping in the European Community - problems and requirements,

A.whereas beekeeping has an environmental significance which goes far beyond the production of honey and which is fundamental to the conservation of insect pollinated plants and their diversity,

B.having regard to the very serious situation facing both commercial beekeepers and part-time and amateur beekeepers as a result of the low prices, despite the low level of self sufficiency, and as a result of further import facilities following the GATT agreements and the threats to bee colonies from the Varroa mite,

1.Calls on the Commission to draw up without delay a report on the situation in beekeeping in the European Union, covering the environmental importance of bees, trends in the number of bee colonies and the economic and market situation of honey production;

2.Calls on the Commission to examine the effectiveness of existing provisions to assist beekeepers, for example support measures to combat the Varroa mite or support for producers' cooperatives, and to strengthen them;

3.Calls on the Commission to submit proposals for measures to the Council and Parliament which will facilitate sustainable beekeeping in the European Union and which, as environmental protection measures, are in accordance with GATT and will not have to be dismantled under the new agreement;

4.Is of the opinion that the Commission's answer to the oral question is inadequate and urges it to submit at the earliest opportunity proposals which are based on Parliament's abovementioned resolution of 15 May 1992 and take account of this resolution;

5.Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Commission and the Council.