Brussels, 29/09/2014 (Agence Europe) - On Monday 29 September, the Council of the EU approved a European regulation to enhance cooperation between the member states in order to fight invasive alien species more effectively (see EUROPE 11062 and 11033).
In the formal adoption of the legislative text, Hungary voted against whilst Germany, Bulgaria and Romania abstained.
In a press release on behalf of the Italian Presidency of the Council, Italian Minister for the Environment Gian Luca Galletti hailed the move as “an important step in affirming the value of biodiversity in Europe”, itself “a key factor for the development of our economy”.
In order to get tough on a scourge which is believed to cause €12 billion worth of damage every year, a European open list will be published of the priority species which constitute an emerging threat and those which cause the most damage. This list will be regularly updated and reviewed at least once every six years. Provisions have been brought in to tackle the problem of species which are invasive and of concern only in certain countries of the EU. Indigenous species which may be useful in some member states, but harmful in others, will be the subject of regional cooperation between the member states, which will be facilitated by the European Commission.
The member states will decide on sanctions to be applied in the event of breaches of the legislation, but derogations have been provided for, as called for by the Council. If the Commission so authorises it, the member states will be able to grant licences to certain establishments specialising in rearing invasive alien species of considerable economic and environmental value with a view to trade in these species. In order to smooth the application of these new rules, a scientific forum will be set up to provide advice, both on the scientific aspects and on the application of the polluter-pays principle.
Of the 12,000 invasive species that are found in Europe, between 10% and 15% have reproduced and spread, with environmental, economic and social impacts. (MB)