The Road to Green 14: Invasive alien plants and animals - a growing threat in Europe

Have you heard of the tiger mosquito or the Asian hornet? These insects, non-native to Europe, are classified as invasive alien species (IAS). IAS include plants and animals that, whether introduced accidentally or deliberately, disrupt the biodiversity of their new environment. 

The Asian hornet, for instance, likely arrived in southwestern France via a pottery shipment from Shanghai in 2004. Now spread across France and parts of Europe, it has become a significant cause of honeybee deaths and biodiversity loss.

IAS can also threaten marine ecosystems. Rugulopteryx okamurae, a fast-growing Asian algae, is believed to have been introduced to Europe via cargo ships. This seaweed spread rapidly in Mediterranean waters and can now carpet the seabed and beaches, disrupting ecosystems as well as the fishing and tourism industries. 

To combat IAS, the European Union introduced a regulation in 2015 targeting these species. Currently, 88 species - 41 plants and 47 animals - are listed as IAS of EU concern.

The regulation includes measures to prevent their introduction, contain their spread through early detection and rapid eradication, and impose trade bans. Preventing the introduction of IAS is far more manageable and economical than addressing their extensive damage.

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Invasive alien species - Commission page

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