Invasive species are species whose introduction/spread may threaten biodiversity, crops, livestock, human health and economy. The Commission Communication "Towards an EU Strategy on Invasive Species" noted that while EU instruments exist to deal with other drivers of biodiversity loss - habitat change, climate change, overexploitation and pollution – there is currently no comprehensive instrument at EU level to tackle invasive species. The Environment Council, the Committee of Regions and the European Social and Economic Committee all called for an effective strategy. The Commission intends to bring forward this strategy in 2011, as a component of the post-2010 biodiversity strategy. The objective of the consultation is to obtain a representative picture of the positions of relevant stakeholders and to collect the views of the participants on the future strategy.
