France Seeks Coordinated European Response to Invasive Species

France is calling for enhanced European coordination to tackle the growing threat of invasive alien species, particularly the Asian hornet and the electric ant, which pose significant risks to biodiversity. The French government intends to present this proposal during a meeting of EU Environment Ministers in Luxembourg.

"There are already European texts, but France wants a more coordinated exchange from an operational standpoint," stated the office of the Minister for Ecological Transition, Monique Barbut. France suggests identifying a few test species for which a coordinated European eradication strategy could be implemented. If successful, this approach could be expanded to prioritize other invasive species based on their environmental impact.

The French authorities emphasize that "citizens expect concrete responses" to the "lasting establishment of the yellow-legged Asian hornet (Vespa velutina) for nearly twenty years in European territory, or the recent arrival of the electric ant (Wasmannia auropunctata) in several states."

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There are already European texts, but France wants a more coordinated exchange from an operational standpoint.

France distinguishes between species that are already widespread, where eradication may be unrealistic, and those that have arrived more recently. For established species like the Asian hornet, first detected in France in 2004 and known for preying on bees, France advocates for an "adaptation culture" to minimize impacts. For newer arrivals, such as the electric ant, which appeared in France around 2022, the country calls for "reinforced control measures."

The electric ant, a tiny insect measuring just 1 mm, is considered one of the world's 100 worst invasive species. Its painful sting can cause blindness in domestic animals, and it devastates local ant populations, indirectly harming vegetation by promoting scale insects and aphids. France aims to focus resources on the most threatening species to protect European biodiversity.

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Citizens expect concrete responses.