Red palm weevil
8.6.2017
Question for written answer E-003811-17
to the Commission
Rule 130
Michela Giuffrida (S&D)
For some years now, red palm weevil (rhynchophorus ferrugineus) has been harming and causing the death of many different types of palm across the Mediterranean area, in central and southern regions of Italy, and in particular in Sicily.
This matter has been the subject of several provisions (Decision 2007/365/EC, Decision 2008/776/EC, Decision 2010/467/EU and Directive 2009/7/EC). Furthermore, a project called ‘Palm Protect’ was launched to eradicate red palm weevil and other harmful species and to protect affected plants.
It was co-financed by the European Union’s Seventh Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development. However, many palm trees with a high landscape, ornamental and sometimes historical value continue to be infested and end up dying. According to some studies, by 2014 about 30 000 palm trees had been felled in Sicily alone.
With this in mind:
- —What progress has been made in the implementation of strategies to eradicate red palm weevil in the above regions?
- —What are the main results achieved within the framework of the ‘Palm Protect’ project?
- —Does the Commission intend to revise the provisions designed to protect species infested by red palm weevil and to prevent the weevils from spreading any further in the Mediterranean area?