Solenopsis invicta is on the list of invasive alien species (IAS) of Union concern established under the IAS Regulation[1]. Article 14 requires Member States to set up surveillance systems for IAS of Union concern, including Solenopsis invicta.

Member States must notify the Commission and other Member States of new introductions and spread, and the management measures applied.

Italy notified the detection of the fire ant in Sicily on 27 November 2023. No other notifications have been submitted. Species occurrence maps are available on the European Alien Species Information Network website of the Joint Research Centre[2].

Italy has not formally notified the management measures taken and their effectiveness in accordance with Article 17, although the Commission is aware that an action plan is adopted[3].

On 14 November 2024, the Commission sent a letter of formal notice to Italy[4] for failing to prevent and manage the introduction and spread of Solenopsis invicta as required by the IAS Regulation. Currently the Commission is assessing Italy’s reply and will act accordingly.

One of the priorities of the EU programme for the environment and climate action (LIFE)[5] is tackling invasive alien species, and projects for the eradication and management of IAS of Union concern can be submitted.

In addition, the LIFE programme will finance a European Invasive Alien Species Rapid-Response Fund that will run until 2028 to support Member States for rapid eradication measures in response to early detections of potential IAS .

Last updated: 17 June 2025