22 new invasive alien species may pose a problem for EU | News

There are all kinds of ways in which plants and animals that do not occur naturally in Europe still find their way to the continent through human intervention. Think of species that hide in international transport of goods, or plants and animals that are traded and can then spread or escape. But often this has negative consequences for biodiversity or the ecosystem where they are located, human health or economic activity. They spread disease, affect the environment, occupy breeding grounds or feed on native species.

The European Union has therefore had a regulation since 2014 that states that all member states must cooperate to limit or prevent the negative consequences of these invasive exotics. The list of invasive alien species, of which the counter stood at 66 plants and animals, plays a central role in this. 17 animals and 5 plants have now been added.

Not all species are now widespread in Europe. But for some plants or animals, which are now absent or very rare, the EU is asking for increased vigilance. In Belgium, three new species from the list have since become established. It concerns two plants, the Afghan knotweed and the Asian tree strangler, and one animal, the African clawed frog.

Anyone who currently owns a plant or animal from the list does not necessarily have to get rid of it. However, it is important to prevent the spread of the species.

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