In accordance with Regulation (EU) 1143/2014 of the European Parliament and the Council on the prevention and management of the introduction and spread of invasive alien species, the strictest measures are in place to prevent the introduction and spread of species listed as invasive alien species of Union concern. It is prohibited to deliberately introduce, reproduce, cultivate, transport, buy, sell, use, exchange, possess, or release these invasive alien species into the environment within the Union.

Regulation (EU) 1143/2014 is based on three levels of prevention and management of the introduction and spread of invasive alien species: prevention of introduction and spread; early detection and rapid response; and management of widely spread species.

Prevention of Introduction and Spread

Preventing the introduction and spread of invasive species is the most effective approach. Many species are introduced into the Union unintentionally. Managing the pathways of unintentional introduction and spread of invasive alien species is thus one of the most important tools for preventing and controlling their introduction or spread. Based on Article 13 of Regulation (EU) 1143/2014, the Republic of Slovenia has prepared an analysis of the priority pathways for introduction and spread in Slovenia. 

The key priority pathways for Slovenia, which require targeted action, include spontaneous spread, ornamental purposes outside horticulture, and pets/aquarium/terrarium species. An Action Plan has been prepared to address these priority pathways for the introduction and spread of invasive alien species of Union concern (2022–2027). 

Early Detection and Rapid Response – EDRR System

According to Article 14 of Regulation (EU) 1143/2014, EU Member States must establish a monitoring system for invasive alien species of Union concern or incorporate them into existing systems. In Slovenia, species that are not yet present or only occur locally are included in the EDRR system. The task of the Institute of the Republic of Slovenia for Nature Conservation is to prepare a Rapid Response Plan for the early detection of invasive alien species of Union concern in Slovenia.

In the event of early detection of an invasive alien species of Union concern, the Member State must notify the European Commission without delay and, within three months of the notification, begin implementing measures for the permanent removal of the alien species from the environment. If permanent removal is no longer possible, the Member State must implement permanent control measures for the invasive alien species.

Management of Widely Spread Species

Article 19 of Regulation (EU) No. 1143/2014 requires Member States to introduce measures within 18 months after listing an invasive alien species as a species of Union concern:

• Within 18 months of the species’ listing, Member States introduce effective management measures to minimize its impacts on biodiversity, associated ecosystem services, and, where applicable, human health or the economy. These control measures must be proportionate to environmental impacts, suitable to specific national conditions, supported by cost-benefit analysis, and include restoration measures as outlined in Article 20, where feasible. Priority is determined based on risk assessment and cost-effectiveness.

• Management measures include lethal or non-lethal physical, chemical, or biological actions aimed at removing the invasive alien species, controlling its population, or preventing its spread. Control measures may include interventions in the recipient ecosystem to increase resilience against current and future invasions. If justified and with adequate control, the temporary commercial use of an established invasive alien species may be allowed to prevent further spread.

• Member States must consider human health and environmental impacts, particularly concerning non-target species and their habitats. For animal control, measures must ensure the avoidance of avoidable pain, distress, or suffering, without compromising the control measures’ effectiveness.

• The monitoring system from Article 14 is designed to assess the effectiveness of measures in reducing impacts on biodiversity, associated ecosystem services, and, where appropriate, human health or the economy. Non-target species impacts are also assessed if needed.

• When there is a significant risk of spread to another Member State, the Member State where the invasive alien species is present must immediately notify other Member States and the Commission. The relevant Member States shall implement jointly agreed management measures. If there is a risk of spread to third countries, the affected Member State should strive to notify the relevant third countries.

The task of the Institute of the Republic of Slovenia for Nature Conservation is to prepare technical bases for the management of widely spread invasive alien species for each species.