Answer given by Mr Andriukaitis on behalf of the European Commission
18.3.2019
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 789/2015 as regards measures to prevent the introduction into and the spread within the Union of Xylella fastidiosa[1] is regularly updated based on new scientific and technical developments. If justified, the legal provisions can be amended at any time.
Before its formal adoption by the Commission, a draft Commission Implementing Decision is presented for an opinion to the Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed (PAFF)[2], where Member States have the opportunity to express their views on it.
The enforcement of the EU Decision is closely monitored through Commission’s audits in the Member States concerned to assess the implementation of those control measures on the ground. In the specific case of Italy, due to the limited implementation of Decision (EU) 789/2015 and the risk of further spreading of Xylella fastidiosa towards other parts of the Union territory, in May 2018, the Commission did refer Italy to the European Court of Justice[3].