EC sues six countries for failing to protect flora and fauna

The European Commission (EC) has filed a lawsuit against Belgium, Ireland, Greece, Italy, Latvia and Portugal, accusing them of failing to combat the spread of invasive alien plant and animal species, Report informs with reference to the press service of the highest executive body of the European Union.

The report explains that invasive are such species of flora and fauna that fall into an unnatural habitat for them due to anthropogenic interference. This is considered one of the main reasons for the decline in biodiversity in Europe.

EU Member States must take effective measures to prevent the spread of such species.

According to the EC, the above countries have not developed and submitted an action plan to address this problem to the European Commission. Greece and Bulgaria have not set up an invasive species surveillance system, with the latest deadline being January 2018.