80 European NGOs gathered to form the Save the Bees Coalition, in order to pressure EU decision makers to enforce a full ban of neonicotinoids.

In December 2013, the European Commission restricted the use of 3 highly bee-toxic neonicotinoid insecticides, namely imidacloprid, clothianidin and thiamethoxam. On the 4th anniversary of the partial ban on these substances, new scientific knowledge confirms that these restrictions do not go far enough.

Therefore, more than 80 EU NGOs are gathering to ask EU decision-makers to completely ban neonicotinoids without further delay. The EU is currently examining applications for renewal of the EU authorizations for these substances. The earlier authorization of such bee-pesticides was based on an incomplete risk assessment that did not take into account the sublethal and chronic effects on honey bees, bumble bees and single bees. The new EFSA Guidelines, adopted in 2013, now also cover these risks. It is the result of a thorough scientific work and exemplary efforts by EFSA to work with stakeholders and independent experts to incorporate the latest scientific findings.

As member of the coalition, we call on the EU Commission to use the EFSA guide to assess the risks posed by pesticide pests and to ban neonicotinoids completely. 

Read the full press release here.

www.beecoalition.eu

#savethebees