Answer given by Mr Andriukaitis on behalf of the European Commission
3.12.2018
Directive 2000/29/EC[1] lays down the EU requirements for plant health import inspections. These requirements are revised based on recent pest risk analysis. The most recent revision, applicable from 1 January 2018, added new quarantine pests and introduced new requirements to reduce the phytosanitary risk caused by the introduction of plants and plant products from third countries[2].
The Commission is currently revising Directive 2000/29/EC to increase the level of phytosanitary protection of the EU. Moreover, from 14 December 2019 the new Plant Health Regulation[3] and the new Official Controls Regulation[4] will be applicable, resulting in more complete controls on a broader range of plant commodities.
The Commission can adopt measures to protect the EU territory against the introduction and spread of quarantine pests or emerging pests that qualify to become quarantine pests. There are however no EU preventive measures for pests known to be present and spread in the Member States — as is the case of the insects mentioned by the Honourable Member, nor any co-financing of control measures under Regulation (EU) 652/2014[5].
In their Rural Development Programmes (RDP)[6], Member States may support investments in preventive actions related to natural disaster and the restoration of agricultural land and production potential damaged by natural disasters. Another option is the income stabilisation tool, also included in the Italian National RDP.
Under Regulation (EU) 1308/2013, recognised producer organisations in the fruit and vegetables sector may include in their operational programmes harvest insurance in compliance with the Italian National Strategy. In such case, premia for insurance against losses caused by plant diseases or pest infestations may be co-financed by the Union financial assistance.
- [1] OJ L 169, 10.7.2000, p. 1‐112.
- [2] Commission Implementing Directive (EU) 2017/1279 of 14 July 2017 amending Annexes I to V to Council Directive 2000/29/EC on protective measures against the introduction into the Community of organisms harmful to plants or plant products and against their spread within the Community, OJ L 184, 15.7.2017, p. 33‐62.
- [3] OJ L 317, 23.11.2016, p. 4-104.
- [4] OJ L 95, 7.04.2017, p. 1-142.
- [5] OJ L 189, 27.06.2014, p. 1-32.
- [6] Regulation (EU) 1305/2013.