The European Commission has published a comprehensive evaluation report assessing the implementation of EU rules on plant health by Member States. The report examines the effectiveness of multi-annual survey programmes designed to detect and prevent the introduction and spread of over 400 species of quarantine pests that could have an unacceptable negative economic, environmental, or social impact to Europe's crops, forests, and natural environments.

According to the report, the majority of Member States have successfully established and implemented the required survey programmes, meeting EU legislative standards. While some Member States have not yet developed multi-annual survey programmes four years after the legal deadline, the report confirms that all countries conduct regular surveys and report their findings to the European Commission annually.

The evaluation highlights the crucial role of these surveys in early detection and timely response to new outbreaks of quarantine pests, safeguarding Europe's agricultural and natural ecosystems. The report's findings demonstrate the commitment of the EU and EU Member States to protecting plant health and preventing the introduction and spread of harmful pests and diseases.

Details of the evaluation report on EU Member States` efforts to combat harmful pests are available at the link below.