Young Citizens Assembly on Pollinators

One Assembly, two questions

Over six months, 100 randomly selected EU citizens aged 18 to 29 discussed one of the key issues of biodiversity crisis: the decline of wild pollinating insects. As the decline threatens our food security and the balance of nature, citizens reflected on how we can resolve the existing challenges and move forward with concrete actions in support of pollinators.

While this issue affects everyone, young people have a particular stake in this debate, as they will experience the most the consequences of the crisis and decisions taken today. This is why the Assembly gathered young citizens and included a mandate to reflect also on the role that young people should play in biodiversity governance.

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Young citizens deliver their recommendations

Assembly members met three times in-person in Brussels and several times online. During this time, they learned about the decline with experts, discussed solutions with stakeholders and policymakers, and deliberated concrete actions to implement the solutions.

As a result of their work, the Assembly proposed 32 recommendations targeting pesticide use, agriculture, as well as land use and protection of habitats.

Proposals include reducing the use and toxicity of pesticides, protecting and restoring pollinator habitats, and moving towards more pollinator-friendly farming while ensuring extensive support for farmers.

Assembly members also called for stronger monitoring and enforcement of existing environmental policies, increased funding for conservation actions, and educational initiatives.

Please find below the Assembly’s recommendations in the main report (in 23 EU languages) as well as more information in the accompanying reports on why and how they were developed.

Individuals depicted in the picture are young citizens discussing with stakeholders during the Assembly.

Timeline

June - September 2025
Online debate
Gathering citizens’ concerns, brainstorming ideas and collecting examples
26 - 28 September 2025
First assembly session - in Brussels
Exploring the topic, learning and setting the direction
October - November 2025
Online debate
Gathering citizens’ concerns, brainstorming ideas and collecting examples
5 - 7 December 2025
Second assembly session - in Brussels
Discussing options and reflecting on challenges, starting to work on recommendations
January - February 2026
Online debate
Reflecting on the initial proposals of the Assembly
6 - 8 March 2026
Third assembly session - in Brussels
Finalising recommendations

Pollinators decline: what’s at stake?

Wild pollinating insects include solitary bees, bumblebees, hoverflies, butterflies, moths – and other flies, wasps, even beetles! These inconspicuous animals are much more important for human societies and nature than their tiny sizes would suggest. Around 4 in 5 crops and wild flowering plants rely on pollinators to transfer pollen and help them reproduce.

When these animals decline – due to land-use change, intensive agricultural management and pesticide use, environmental pollution, invasive alien species and climate change – the impacts ripple through entire ecosystems, undermining biodiversity, food production, economy, and, ultimately, human well-being. Consequently, safeguarding pollinating insects means tackling the complex web of social and environmental challenges.