**The European Beekeeping Association Opposes Expansion of Duty-Free Honey Imports from Ukraine**
The European Beekeeping Association (EBA), based in Slovenia, has issued a strong protest against the European Commission’s decision to significantly expand the quota for duty-free honey imports from Ukraine. The Commission’s plan to increase the annual import limit from 6,000 tons to 35,000 tons has sparked intense debate among EU beekeepers. The EBA argues that this move will destabilize the domestic honey market by flooding it with cheap imports and undermining the competitiveness of EU producers.
The association is calling on the Commission to delay the implementation of the policy until Ukraine establishes more reliable honey quality control systems. The EBA claims that current quality assurance measures in Ukraine are insufficient to guarantee the safety and consistency of imported honey products. This concern is particularly pressing given the growing popularity of Ukrainian honey in European markets, which has led to increased competition for regional producers.
The decision to expand duty-free imports is part of broader efforts to support Ukrainian agricultural exports and strengthen trade relations in the wake of the war in Ukraine. However, the EBA contends that the benefits for Ukrainian producers may come at the expense of European beekeeping communities. The association’s stance highlights the complex balance between economic incentives and local industry protection within the EU’s trade policies.
Despite the EBA’s objections, the Commission remains committed to the expanded import quota, emphasizing its role in fostering economic ties with Ukraine and promoting market access for Ukrainian agricultural products. The situation underscores the ongoing tensions between trade liberalization and the need to protect domestic industries within the EU’s internal market.