# CE2004084EN.01053901.xml

| 3.4.2004 | EN | Official Journal of the European Union | CE 84/539 |
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3.4.2004

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

CE 84/539

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(2004/C 84 E/0616)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0129/04

by Lord Inglewood (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(26 January 2004)

Subject:   Invasive alien species

Subject:

Under the Gothenburg Commitment the European Commission has an obligation to produce a policy on invasive alien species. The Sixth Environmental Action Programme states that invasive alien species are a high priority. When will the Commission produce its policy on invasive alien species?

In particular what action is the European Commission taking to deal with the grey squirrel, which has been identified by the IUCN as one of the 100 worst alien invasive species and is now prevalent not only in England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland but also in Italy, where the principal colony is spreading into the foothills of the Alps?

Answer given by Mrs Wallström on behalf of the Commission

(12 March 2004)

(12 March 2004)

The Commission recognises the importance of the threat posed by invasive alien species (IAS) to biodiversity, and regards addressing this threat as one of the key priorities in meeting the Gothenburg commitment to halt the loss of biodiversity by 2010. The Commission notes with alarm the continuing loss of biodiversity, and believes that achieving the 2010 target will require substantially reinforced action. The Commission is currently engaged in a broad consultative process to review progress in the implementation of the Community biodiversity strategy and action plans, with the dual aim of identifying priority measures and building momentum towards the 2010 target. As part of this process, the Irish Presidency will convene a Conference on Biodiversity and the EU in Malahide, Ireland, 25 to 27 May 2004. This Conference will aim to produce an outline ‘2010 delivery plan’ which identifies priority measures, targets, indicators and lead actors as well as the resources required. Without prejudice to the outcome of the review, it is anticipated that the 2010 Delivery Plan will reconfirm IAS as a priority. The Commission recognises that IAS is a complex issue which touches on many economic sectors and requires a comprehensive policy response. Unfortunately, existing resources do not permit such a response. The Commission trusts that the current momentum-building exercise will result in the allocation of adequate resources to address all key measures required to meet the 2010 target, IAS included. In the meantime, the Commission is aware of and welcomes the work done by the Council of Europe to develop a pan-European strategy for IAS; this is a useful point of reference for the development of EU policy.

Regarding the grey squirrel, Member States have an obligation to maintain the favourable conservation status of habitats and species of European conservation interest; if and where the grey squirrel threatens this status, Member States are obliged to act accordingly. It is also relevant to note that a study is currently being completed under the LIFE-Nature programme on lessons learnt in LIFE-Nature projects which address IAS.

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