The European Commission announced that the final stakeholder consultation ahead of the publication of a proposal for a new legislative instrument on Invasive Alien Species is now online and it will remain open until 12 April 2012.

While some EU instruments are dealing with the other major causes of biodiversity loss - namely habitat change, climate change, overexploitation and pollution – there is currently no comprehensive instrument at EU level to tackle invasive alien species. Responding to this gap, the Commission adopted a Communication by the Commission: "Towards an EU Strategy on Invasive Species (2008)".

In 2011, the EU biodiversity strategy to 2020 was launched, including the target: "by 2020, Invasive Alien Species (IAS) and their pathways are identified and prioritised, priority species are controlled or eradicated, and pathways are managed to prevent the introduction and establishment of new IAS" and an action aiming at filling policy gaps in combating IAS by developing a dedicated legislative instrument by 2012: COM(2011) 244

The Commission is preparing a dedicated legislative instrument on Invasive Alien Species. In preparation of this instrument the Commission is now seeking views on the more specific choices to be made when establishing this instrument.

The online questionnaire, as well as links to background documents, can be accessed through the following websites:
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/consultations/invasive_aliens.htm
or
http://ec.europa.eu/yourvoice/consultations/index_en.htm

All citizens, organisations and public authorities are welcome to contribute to this consultation. Contributions are particularly sought from stakeholder organisations and Member States.