The European and Central Asian Forest Invasive Species Network (REUFIS), chaired by Professor Ferenc Lakatos from the University of Sopron (Hungary), in collaboration with the FAO Forestry Department (Shiroma Sathyapala and Norbert Winkler-Rathonyi), organized its annual conference in Skopje, North Macedonia (June 3-6, 2024). The event presented the latest findings on the detection and monitoring of invasive species in urban plantings, including tree-related invasive species and invasive trees themselves.

The conference adopted a hybrid format (in-person and webinar participation), attracting 20 participants from 20 countries. Over three days, experts participated in webinars, field trips to urban plantings in Skopje, and laboratory training sessions.

The Ukrainian delegation included representatives from the Ukrainian Research Institute of Forestry and Agroforestry named after G.M. Vysotsky (Kateryna Davydenko) and the State Specialized Forest Protection Enterprise "Kharkivlisozakhyst" (Denys Baturkin).

The meeting took place at the Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, North Macedonia. University representatives emphasized that controlling invasive species is complicated by the lack of information about their biology and natural enemies that could regulate their rapid spread. Creating an information exchange network and working groups on invasive species helps increase knowledge, develop databases, facilitate information exchange, and enhance the capacity of institutions and organizations in relevant regions.

REUFIS aims to disseminate information about existing tools for monitoring and controlling invasive species. The network facilitates information and experience exchange, coordinates activities related to forest invasive species, encourages publication of materials and research results, promotes early detection and monitoring strategies, and maintains communication at all levels within individual countries and between member countries.

The conference was opened by Professor Ferenc Lakatos, who discussed the general situation with invasive organisms in Europe and the meeting's program. Norbert Winkler-Rathonyi (FAO) noted that invasive organisms significantly impact the environment and can lead to the destruction of native species. Shiroma Sathyapala (FAO) emphasized the importance of such meetings for developing unified strategies to manage invasive species spread.

Benno Augustinus (Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research WSL, Switzerland) spoke about the importance of inventorying Switzerland's green spaces and compiling tables of invasive plant species. He proposed reducing the planting volumes of alien species while preserving biodiversity.

Donát Magyar (National Center for Public Health and Pharmacy, Hungary) presented a vision of future cities "drowning in greenery," but warned about allergenic plants and proposed creating regulations for urban plantings.

Dmitry Musolin (European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization - EPPO) reported on dangerous species for Europe, particularly highlighting the threat of Agrilus planipennis and the uncontrolled ornamental plant market.

Lucio Montecchio (University of Padova, Italy) discussed urban tree protection against pests, diseases, and "pseudo-activists" who spread misinformation from unverified sources like Wikipedia.

Milka Glavendekić (University of Belgrade, Serbia) emphasized the importance of continuous education about dangerous forest pests and diseases, citing Orthotomicus erosus as an example causing significant financial losses.

Erhard Halmschlag (University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Austria) detailed the invasive Ailanthus altissima (Tree of Heaven), which produces about one million seeds at age 15 and suppresses other plants. He presented "Ailantex," a fungal-based preparation to control this species.

Ukrainian representatives presented their research: Kateryna Davydenko spoke about two invasive ash pests threatening European ash populations, while Denys Baturkin presented methods for monitoring and combating forest pests and diseases in urban areas.

The conference included field trips to Skopje's green spaces, where participants observed how invasive species like Yellow Acacia coexisted with native species like European Olive and Black Pine. The economic losses from uncontrolled Box Tree Moth (Cydalima perspectalis) spread were demonstrated.

The event concluded with group photos and contact exchanges for future collaboration. The organizers were thanked for this valuable opportunity to share experiences in invasive species regulation, especially important during challenging times for Ukraine.