A new initiative raises awareness about growing threats to biodiversity, the economy, and public health across the region

Podgorica, April 16, 2026 – The EU4Green project has launched a regional awareness campaign titled “Invasive Alien Species – A Silent Threat to Our Nature” during a biodiversity workshop in Podgorica. The campaign aims to inform citizens across the Western Balkans about one of the most overlooked environmental challenges affecting ecosystems, livelihoods, and public health.

Invasive alien species (IAS) are organisms that are not native and are primarily introduced through human activities such as trade, transport, and agriculture. Once introduced, they can spread rapidly, displace native species, disrupt ecosystems, affect food production, and cause significant economic damage. Despite these risks, awareness of IAS in the region remains low.

The EU4Green campaign aims to make complex scientific and policy concepts accessible to the wider public through engaging and user-friendly content. Through digital storytelling, social media, and regional events, the campaign will inform citizens about the risks associated with invasive species and promote responsible behavior to prevent their spread.

At the European Union level, invasive alien species are regulated by Regulation (EU) No 1143/2014, which establishes a framework for preventing and managing their introduction and spread. As candidate countries for EU membership, Western Balkan economies are gradually aligning with this framework. The EU4Green project supports this process by strengthening regional cooperation, building institutional capacities, and enabling knowledge exchange.

“Invasive alien species represent a growing threat to biodiversity and ecosystems across Europe and beyond. Through EU4Green, we support the Western Balkans in aligning with EU standards while raising awareness among citizens, which is key to effective prevention and management,” explained Katharina Huchler, Biodiversity Coordinator at the EU4Green project and the Austrian Environment Agency.

“Regulation (EU) No 1143/2014 introduced a list of invasive species of Union concern, with clear obligations for member states – from early detection and rapid eradication to long-term management of established populations. This early warning and coordinated response system has proven in the EU that the spread of invasive species can be stopped, or at least significantly slowed. The Western Balkans can achieve the same results – provided that regulations are aligned, institutions are strengthened, and data are shared across borders in real time,” emphasized Dr. Wolfgang Rabitsch.

“Montenegro, as an ecological state, has a special responsibility to protect its unique biodiversity – recognized as a biodiversity hotspot of Europe, with ecosystems such as the beech forests of Biogradska Gora, Lake Skadar, the Tara Canyon, Ulcinj Salina, and many others – from the pressure of invasive species. Already today, we are recording species that affect agriculture, forestry, and tourism. That is why we have entered a phase of systemic response – aligning national legislation with EU standards and strengthening institutional capacities for monitoring and early response,” stated Anela Sijarić.

Campaign materials will be available on the EU4Green website and shared through social media and regional events throughout the project duration.