France implements national plan to combat Asian hornet

The French government has officially implemented a national plan to combat the Asian hornet (Vespa velutina nigrithorax), following legislation passed by Parliament in 2025. The plan, published in the Official Journal, aims to organize a coherent and proportionate response to the invasive species across the country.

Under the new framework, French departments will be classified into four levels of exposure. Within six months, prefects will work with local authorities, industry sectors, and environmental associations to develop specific departmental action plans. While complete eradication is no longer considered feasible, the strategy focuses on limiting impacts through nest destruction, spring trapping of founding queens, and methods to reduce bee stress.

The Asian hornet, which arrived in France around 2004, is a major predator of honeybees, capable of destroying 30% to 50% of a farm's apiary stock. It also impacts fruit production in arboriculture and viticulture and poses risks to public health and safety. To support these efforts, the Ministry of Ecological Transition has allocated an exceptional budget of 3 million euros for 2026. Despite these measures, the National Union of Beekeepers of France (UNAF) has expressed disappointment regarding the plan.