Brussels, 08/04/2015 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission said on Wednesday 8 April that France was within its rights to take national measures to prevent the spread of Xylella fastidiosa, a bacterium that has killed olive trees in Italy (see EUROPE 11289 and 11284).
France published an order on 4 April banning the import of plants vulnerable to this bacterium from the affected areas.
“The Commission has learned of the measures taken by France. In the event of imminent danger, a member state may take additional measures - particularly as measures will be taken by the competent standing EU committee. On 27 and 28 April, this committee will discuss a fresh Commission text on new emergency measures. France has informed the Commission of its position and will provide further information”, said the spokesperson for European Health Commissioner Vytenis Andriukaitis (our translation).
Once European measures are in place, the French authorities will, if necessary, amend their measures to comply with European legislation, the spokesperson stated. He said that the Commission was “in contact” with the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) but gave no indication as to whether an EFSA report on Xylella fastidiosa was to be expected. (Lionel Changeur)