A nexus of natural and human variables mediate the success of non-native species that threaten global biodiversity and ecological stability. However, the relative importance and interplays among relevant factors has not been holistically approached. To identify spatial differences and potential connections in relevant natural and human drivers, we analyzed the number of non-native species established in European countries using a newly collated database of established non-native species. We employ a series of broadscale national predictors classified into 'research', 'economy', 'environment & culture', and 'land-use' to predict successful establishment. Our null models, which assume the distribution of non-native species mirrors that of each predictor, accurately predicted non-native species numbers across European countries. However, a few countries were identified as outliers, having significantly over- or underrepresented non-native species numbers based on adjusted quasi-Poisson distribution quantiles. A network analysis of non-native species compositions identified these regions to be central hubs (e.g. Germany, France, and Switzerland), but also highlighted distinct spatial similarities across European countries. Combinations of the predictors 'economy', 'research', and 'environment & culture' explained the largest shares of differences in the number of established non-native species among European countries as well as their reporting rates over time. Individual drivers alone were insufficient to wholly explain national differences, whereas interacting driver categories ultimately accounted for the largest shares of variance. This analysis demonstrates the breadth of predictors that mediate successful establishment, and particularly highlights the relevance of overlooked historical-cultural facets affecting biological invasions.

• Klíčová slova
• Biological invasions, Economy, Environmental change, Europe, Society and culture,
• MeSH
• biodiverzita * MeSH
• ekosystém MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• zachování přírodních zdrojů * MeSH
• zavlečené druhy * statistika a číselné údaje   MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Evropa MeSH

Biological invasions are a major threat to biodiversity, ecosystem functioning and nature's contributions to people worldwide. However, the effectiveness of invasive alien species (IAS) management measures and the progress toward achieving biodiversity targets remain uncertain due to limited and nonuniform data availability. Management success is usually assessed at a local level and documented in technical reports, often written in languages other than English, which makes such data notoriously difficult to collect at large geographic scales. Here we present the first European assessment of how managers perceive trends in IAS and the effectiveness of management measures to mitigate biological invasions. We developed a structured questionnaire translated into 18 languages and disseminated it to local and regional managers of IAS in Europe. We received responses from 1928 participants from 41 European countries, including 24 European Union (EU) Member States. Our results reveal substantial efforts in IAS monitoring and control, with invasive plants being the primary focus. Yet, there is a general perception of an increase in the numbers, occupied areas, and impacts of IAS across environment and taxonomic groups, particularly plants, over time. This perceived increase is consistent across both EU and non-EU countries, with respondents from EU countries demonstrating more certainty in their responses. Our results also indicate a lack of data on alien vertebrates and invertebrates, reflecting a need for more targeted monitoring and knowledge sharing between managers and policymakers and between countries. Overall, our study suggests that Europe's current strategies are insufficient to substantially reduce IAS by 2030 and hence to meet the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework target.

• Klíčová slova
• environmental perception, exotic species, expert survey, invasive alien species, management practices, non‐native species, policy,
• MeSH
• biodiverzita MeSH
• průzkumy a dotazníky MeSH
• zachování přírodních zdrojů * metody   MeSH
• zavlečené druhy * MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Evropa MeSH

Invasions by nonnative insect species can massively disrupt ecological processes, often leading to serious economic impacts. Previous work has identified propagule pressure as important driver of the trend of increasing numbers of insect invasions worldwide. In the present article, we propose an alternative hypothesis-that insect invasions are being driven by the proliferation of nonnative plants, which create niches for insect specialists and facilitate their establishment outside their native ranges where their hosts are planted or are invasive. We synthesize mechanisms by which plant invasions facilitate insect invasions, macroecological patterns supporting the tight link between plant and insect invasions, and case studies of plant invasions having facilitated subsequent insect establishment. This body of evidence indicates that plant invasions are a major driver of insect invasions. Consequently, the benefits of limiting the spread of nonnative plants include averting the proliferation of nonnative insects and their spillover onto native plant species.

• Klíčová slova
• empty niche, enemy release, facilitation, human-mediated dispersal, introduction pathways,
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• přehledy MeSH