Infringements: Commission refers Italy to Court over its failure to adequately prevent further spread of the quarantine harmful organism 'Xylella fastidiosa' in Apulia

Today, the European Commission decided to refer Italy to the Court of Justice of the EU on the grounds that the Italian authorities are not taking the necessary measures to eradicate the quarantine harmful organism Xylella fastidiosa in Apulia and thus have failed to stop its spread.

Following the first notification of the outbreak of Xylella fastidiosa in the Apulia region in October 2013, the Italian authorities failed to fully comply with the EU rules on quarantine organisms harmful to plants or plant products and prevent its further spread in Apulia (Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2015/789and Council Directive 2000/29/EC). These measures involve, among other provisions, the removal of infected plants in some parts of the demarcated areas immediately after the first confirmation of the presence of Xylella fastidiosa, as well as monitoring and sampling of the plants in the relevant parts of the demarcated area. The timetable communicated by Italy was considered not effective to ensure the immediate removal of the infected trees as requested by EU legislation. This lack of adequate action increases the high risk of further spreading of the organism out of the current demarcated area.

Background

Xylella fastidiosa is one of the most dangerous plant bacteria worldwide, causing a variety of diseases, leading invariably to the death of infected plants, with huge economic impact for agriculture. Member States have to take all necessary measures to eradicate Xylella fastidiosa and, when this is not possible, at least prevent its further spread within the rest of Italy and elsewhere in the EU territory.

The Commission has repeatedly urged Italy to fulfil its obligations. A letter and a supplementary letter of formal notice were sent in December 2015 and in July 2016, followed by a reasoned opinion in July 2017.

The Commission continues to use all available means to pursue the ongoing dialogue with the Italian authorities with the aim to prevent further spread of Xylella fastidiosa in Apulia.

For more information

-The EU's actions to fight Xylella fastidiosa

-On the key decisionsofthe May 2018 infringements package, please refer to the full MEMO/18/3446.

-On the general infringements procedure, see MEMO/12/12.

-On the EU infringements procedure.

IP/18/3805