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EU farm beehive numbers climbed to a record 9.4 million in 2023, according to new figures released by Eurostat, with Italy, Romania and Greece leading the bloc in bee colony numbers. Cyprus, however, recorded a decline over the past three years.
The data show that Cyprus had 33,640 beehives on agricultural holdings in 2023, down from 38,130 in 2020.
Across the European Union, the number of beehives registered on farms rose by 1.3 million between 2020 and 2023, an increase of 16 percent from 8.1 million. Eurostat clarified that the figures cover only beehives located on agricultural holdings, meaning the actual number of bee colonies across Europe is likely higher.
Italy ranked first among EU member states with nearly 1.9 million beehives on farms in 2023. Romania followed with about 1.7 million, while Greece recorded roughly 1.2 million and Bulgaria just over 1 million.
Among the countries that reported data, 12 registered growth in beehive numbers compared with 2020. Italy posted the biggest jump, adding more than 822,000 hives, a rise of 79 percent.
Other countries saw declines during the same period. Hungary recorded the sharpest drop, losing more than 152,000 beehives, while Spain reported a decrease of over 131,000.
Bees play a critical role in pollinating crops across Europe, supporting agricultural production in both northern and southern climates. During colder months, colonies survive by remaining inside their hives and relying on stored honey reserves.
The figures were released in connection with World Bee Day, which aims to promote awareness about the importance of bees and other pollinating insects for food production and ecosystems.
The European Commission has also introduced measures aimed at protecting pollinators. In 2023, it presented the “New Deal for Pollinators,” an updated strategy intended to reverse the decline of wild pollinating insects across Europe by 2030. The initiative forms part of the EU’s biodiversity and environmental restoration plans.
