Thomas Michael Klotz is a doctoral candidate at the Bavarian School of Public Policy at the Technical University of Munich. He studied political science in Munich and Venice, focusing in particular on right-wing populism and environmental policy. In 2017, he was awarded the academic degree of Diplomaticus scientiae politicae Universitatis.

This dissertation traces and compares the various environmental policy initiatives that are relevant to bees and beekeepers in the European Union. The emphasis is placed on the political and social components; biological dimensions are not brought into focus, but are nevertheless included. The importance of honeybee and wild bee species in the European Union is outlined and it is examined which stakeholders have an interest in the greatest possible diversity of bee species and sustainable beekeeping. After all, it is these stakeholders who (co-)initiate environmental policy measures.

A major problem with regard to the implementation of important programs for the protection of biodiversity and bees arises from the many research gaps that have not yet been closed. These include the question of the effects of climate change, the import of non-native species and the sensitization and information of the population. The dissertation also describes the reactions of the various Alpine countries to these challenges.