On 29 May 2026, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) published a technical report titled "Survey parameters to support detection survey design for Agrilus planipennis," providing guidance for EU member states on designing surveillance programs for the emerald ash borer, a highly destructive invasive pest that threatens ash tree populations across Europe. The report outlines key statistical parameters—such as detection probability, sample size, and survey intensity—to help national plant protection authorities optimize early detection efforts and allocate resources effectively.
The document, produced by EFSA's Plant Health Panel, is a technical reference rather than a binding regulation. It recommends specific survey designs based on risk factors including proximity to infested areas, trade pathways, and ecological suitability. The parameters are intended to support harmonized surveillance across the EU, enabling comparable data collection and more efficient use of limited inspection budgets.
Trade-offs and stakeholder impact
The report balances scientific rigor with practical feasibility. For national authorities, adopting the recommended parameters could improve early detection rates but may require additional training and investment in monitoring infrastructure. For the forestry sector and ash-dependent industries—such as timber producers and nurseries—enhanced surveillance could reduce the risk of large-scale outbreaks and associated economic losses, but may also lead to stricter phytosanitary measures and trade restrictions if pests are detected. Environmental groups stand to benefit from better protection of ash ecosystems, which support biodiversity and provide ecosystem services. However, the report does not address cost-sharing or compensation mechanisms for affected businesses, leaving those policy decisions to member states and the European Commission.
Expected institutional follow-up
EFSA's report is likely to inform updates to EU emergency measures for Agrilus planipennis, which currently include import restrictions and mandatory surveillance. The European Commission may use the parameters to revise implementing acts under Regulation (EU) 2016/2031 on protective measures against plant pests. National plant protection organizations are expected to incorporate the guidance into their annual survey plans, with EFSA providing further technical support as needed.