Invasive species list finalised

The first blacklist of invasive alien species to be targeted in the EU has been approved by member states for adoption by the European Commission.

The Commission will adopt the list of 37 species in the coming weeks, commissioner Karmenu Vella told environment ministers on Wednesday.

The Commission will table an updated list by the end of next year, Mr Vella added.

The European Parliament adopted a resolution on Wednesday criticising the list, which MEPs say leaves out some of the most problematic species and includes others that would not cause severe negative impacts.