Brussels, 06/03/2014 (Agence Europe) - Cooperation between the member states of the EU to fight invasive alien species more effectively will soon be reinforced by new European rules. On Wednesday 5 March, the European Parliament and the Council reached a compromise on the draft regulation presented by the Commission on 9 September to prevent and manage the introduction and spread of this plague within the EU. “Invasive alien species cause damage worth at least €12 euros every year in Europe (…) Cooperation is crucial”, said MEP Pavel Poc (S&D, Czech Republic), rapporteur, who is delighted that the “difficult negotiations” have been successful.
The Commission's idea of an upper limit of 50 species for the list of species of EU concern and to be tackled as a priority was thrown out, to the Parliament's satisfaction. An open list will include priority species which constitute an emerging threat and those which cause the greatest amount of damage. Provisions were introduced to tackle the problem of species which are invasive and of concern only in certain countries of the EU. Native species which can be useful in some member states but harmful in others will be the subject of regional cooperation between the member states, to be facilitated by the Commission. The member states will decide on the sanctions to apply in the event of breaches of the legislation, but derogations have been provided for, as the Council requested. If the Commission authorises it, the member states will be able to grant licences to certain institutions specialising in invasive alien species of great economic and environmental value, with a view to trading in these. In order to facilitate the implementation of these new rules, a scientific forum will be set up to provide advice both on scientific aspects and on the application of the polluter-pays principle. (AN)