Last week the EU Commission launched the public consultation for implementing the regulation on measures to control Xylella fastidiosa.
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2015/7892 has been applied since May 2015 with the aim to prevent further spread within and introduction into the Union of Xylella fastidiosa (Wells et al.) (‘the specified pest’). That Implementing Decision has been updated οn several occasions to take into account the scientific and technical evidence made available at the time.
On 15 May 2019, the European Food Safety Authority (‘the Authority’) published a new Scientific Opinion on the risk to plant health posed by the specified pest in the Union territory, focusing on potential establishment, short‐ and long‐range spread, the length of the asymptomatic period, the impact of the specified pest and an update on risk reduction options. On 15 May 2019, the Authority published a scientific report on the effectiveness of in plant control measures for the specified pest, confirming as previously stated that there are currently no control measures available to eliminate the specified pest from a diseased plant in open field conditions.
On 25 June 2019, the Authority published a pest survey card on the specified pest providing further elements to ensure more targeted survey activities.
On 28 April 2020, the Authority updated the database of plant species found infected by the specified pest worldwide.
Moreover, on 8 June 2020, the Authority published the Guidelines for statistically sound and risk-based surveys of Xylella fastidiosa that will assist Member States to implement the confidence level, the design prevalence proposed and preparation of the survey activities to be carried out within and outside the demarcated areas, in the Union territory.
The draft of the new act that will replace the EU Decision 2015/789 is now public available:
https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/better-regulation/have-your-say/initiatives/12439-Update-of-measures-to-control-Xylella-fastidiosa
Therefore, there is now the possibility of giving feedbacks from 9th June to 7th July 2020 and they will be taken into account for finalising this initiative and will be available on the website.
Feedback sent either as public comment or anonymously will be instantly made publicly available.
Suggestions will be taken into account for the improvement of the act and presented to the consultative committee.