The European Commission is currently clear in the lack of Italy: the country has not succeeded in preventing and combating the insertion and distribution of the Red Fire Ant (Solenopsis Invicta), as provided for in the Regulation on invasive local species. According to the EU committee, such species are among the five main causes of the loss of biological diversity in Europe and worldwide.
In Sicily, dozens of nests of the red fire were discovered last year. It is feared that the species, favored by climate change, could quickly spread in other European countries. Firstly, cities in the Mediterranean Sea and the cities with large ports such as Amsterdam or London explained research teams.
The purpose of the Regulation is to prevent, minimize and limit the negative effects of these species on biological diversity and associated ecosystems, and to limit their social and economic consequences in Europe. In contrast to the requirements of the Regulation, Italy did not report early detection to the EU committee or the other EU member states, according to the presence of the Red Fire that came to Sicily last year, complained Brussels.
No control measures announced
Moreover, the Italian authorities of the EU committee have taken the control measures that were taken within three months of notification of early detection. Already in November 2024 the committee sent a call letter to Italy. Rome has not taken all the necessary measures to prevent unintended spread of the Red Fire ants. In addition, the trade union -relevant surveillance system for invasive areas of neither nor effectively implemented by Italy has been criticized Brussels.
The clock ticks
Moreover, Italy did not respond to different points in the call letter. That is why the EU committee has decided to send the government a statement in Rome. Italy now has two months to answer and to take the necessary measures. Otherwise, the Commission may decide to refer the case to the Court of Justice of the European Union.
There are high harvest damage
Originally from South America, Red Fire Ants (Solenopsis Invicta) were initially introduced to the US. The small but very aggressive and a large number of other insects spread there rapidly from the 1930s, and in various American regions, stocks of domestic ants were drastically reduced. There are also high harvest damage. In the course of global trade and tourism, the fire brigade later also reached many other countries such as Japan, China, Australia and New Zealand.
Source: Krone
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