Horizon scanning for European wild pollinators identifies world-leading legislation as a key opportunity for pollinators

Wild insect pollinators contribute significantly to agricultural productivity, biodiversity, and ecosystem functioning. Wild pollinators are increasingly affected by multiple interacting stressors. Proactively identifying emerging risks and feasible mitigation strategies will be critical to ensuring the long-term stability of wild pollinators biodiversity and pollination services. We conducted the first continental scale horizon scan focused on wild pollinators in Europe. A structured Delphi-based approach was used to identify emerging issues that may have significant implications for wild pollinators over the coming decade. Ten priority issues were identified, including both potential risks and opportunities. For the first time in a pollinator-focused horizon scan, legislation was identified as a key opportunity, with the European Union Nature Restoration Regulation recognised for its potential to influence pollinator conservation through mandatory restoration and monitoring targets. In contrast, political developments such as the rise of populist parties and post-truth discourse may impede policy implementation. Several issues relating to pesticide use were also identified, including developments in RNA interference technologies and precision application methods, which may reduce non-target impacts if risks are appropriately assessed. These findings provide a foundation for further research and policy evaluation in support of pollinator conservation under changing environmental and political conditions.