Infringement for neonicotinoids is necessary step for Romania's full alignment with European legislation

The European Commission's decision to initiate an infringement procedure against Romania for repeatedly granting derogations to the use of neonicotinoid pesticides represents a necessary step for our country's full alignment with European legislation on the protection of health, the environment and biodiversity, argues the vice-president of the Federation of Beekeeping Associations of Romania - ROMAPIS, Constantin Dobrescu.The European Commission decided on Wednesday, October8, 2025, to initiate an infringement procedure against Romania for repeatedly granting derogations to the use of neonicotinoid pesticides, banned in the European Union due to major risks to bees and the environment.In this context, representatives of the Federation of Beekeeping Associations of Romania - ROMAPIS and Eco Ruralis, the association of peasants and farmers in Romania, have shown that they want to support the Romanian authorities in the transition process to agricultural practices without neonicotinoids, in full respect for the health of people, bees and nature.The two associations express their regret that Romania has ended up in the situation of being the subject of an infringement procedure by the European Commission for the abuse of exemptions for neonicotinoids, the cited source mentions."At the same time, we welcome the European Commission's decision as a necessary step for our country's full alignment with European legislation on the protection of health, the environment and biodiversity. We consider this step as an opportunity for our country to reaffirm its commitment to European values, respect for the rule of law and the protection of public health, the environment and biodiversity. We are confident that the Romanian authorities will openly collaborate with the European institutions to remedy the situation and to demonstrate that Romania is a responsible member state, which respects EU regulations and the principles of sustainable agriculture," said Constantin Dobrescu, quoted in the press release.According to him, protecting pollinators and agricultural ecosystems is essential not only for beekeepers and farmers, but also for the food security of all citizens. Romania now has the chance to become a positive example of legality, transparency and sustainability for neighboring countries on the path to accession to the European Union.Thus, Eco Ruralis and ROMAPIS reaffirm their willingness to support the Romanian authorities in the transition process to neonicotinoid-free agricultural practices, in full respect for the health of people, bees and nature.