Tackling invasive alien species in Europe

Briefing 28-11-2013

Some non-native animals, plants and micro-organisms can pose a serious threat to European flora and fauna, disrupt fragile ecosystems and also transmit diseases to people, decimate crops and damage infrastructure. Environmentalists and politicians have called for action to address this ecological, economic and social threat. In September 2013, the European Commission proposed a harmonised approach. Under the proposal there would be a ban on the import, sale, growing, use or release of selected species in the EU.