1. Invasive Alien Species
Development of an EU Framework on Invasive Alien Species in 2 steps
Communication “Towards the EU Framework on IAS” to be adopted by the end of the year
Proposal for an EU Framework on IAS 2009/2010 ?

2. Consultation process & timing
Consultation group met 3 times
Next meeting in June
Online consultation on YOUR VOICE from 03/03 to 05/05
Timing
May: Draft communication/ proportionate Impact Assessment
Support by Service Contract
June: Discussion of drafts
2 July: Impact Assessment Board meeting

3. Preparation of COM document
Year
 2007
2008
month 11 12 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Preparation of COM document
Consultation with COM services x
Consultation with MS and stakeholders
Consultation with public - web (IPM)
Impact Assessment Report
Inter-service consultation
Adoption of COM

4. Further development of policy options
MATRIX approach
Vertical axis : 3 stage hierarchical approach
Prevention, Early detection and Eradication, Control and long term Containment
Horizontal axis : “degree of effectiveness”
3 policy options
« 0 option » without additional action
Emphasising prevention
Comprehensive action
The 3 options are « cumulative »

5. Outstanding issues
Council Conclusions « recall the urgent need for an EU Strategy on IAS and an effective early warning system … calls for effective response mechanisms at EU level”, but buy in and commitment still needs to be enhanced both on Member State and Commission Services level
Use of existing versus new development of new legislation
Both Wildlife Trade Regulation and Legislation in the Phytosanitary and Veterinary Sector could possibly tackle IAS, but neither of them has been designed to do so
Development of new legislation takes time