The number of bees is drastically declining in Europe: The European Union is urging member states to take urgent measures to protect bees and pollinating insects.

The European Union has launched a call to member states to stop the decline of bee populations and other pollinating insects by 2030, warning that the situation is becoming critical. Experts emphasize that the populations of these insects have been rapidly declining for decades, with a dramatic decline in hoverflies, where some species have lost between 50% and 90% of their population. In the Netherlands, nearly half of the 300 species of hoverflies are included on the red list, and authorities have initiated monitoring programs in 150 locations. The main causes of pollinator disappearance include the intensive use of pesticides, excess nitrogen, climate change, and the loss of natural habitats. The impact on agriculture is significant, as 80% of flowering plants depend on pollination, and without these insects, food products could become scarce and expensive. The EU is imposing drastic measures, such as reducing pesticides and expanding nature-friendly agriculture, to reverse the decline by 2030. Specialists warn that without rapid intervention, the established goals risk remaining only on paper.