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BackgroundReliable taxonomy underpins communication in all of biology, not least nature conservation and sustainable use of ecosystem resources. The flexibility of taxonomic interpretations, however, presents a serious challenge for end-users of taxonomic concepts. Users need standardised and continuously harmonised taxonomic reference systems, as well as high-quality and complete taxonomic data sets, but these are generally lacking for non-specialists. The solution is in dynamic, expertly curated web-based taxonomic tools.The Pan-European Species-directories Infrastructure (PESI) worked to solve this key issue by providing a taxonomic e-infrastructure for Europe. It strengthened the relevant social (expertise) and information (standards, data and technical) capacities of five major community networks on taxonomic indexing in Europe, which is essential for proper biodiversity assessment and monitoring activities. The key objectives of PESI were: 1) standardisation in taxonomic reference systems, 2) enhancement of the quality and completeness of taxonomic data sets and 3) creation of integrated access to taxonomic information.New informationThis paper describes the results of PESI and its future prospects, including the involvement in major European biodiversity informatics initiatives and programs.

Regulation 1143/2014 on the prevention and management of the introduction and spread of invasive alien species creates the framework for the prevention, minimization, and mitigation of the harmful effects of invasive alien species on biodiversity in the European Union. Commission Implementing Regulations 2016/1141 and 2017/1263 delivered the list of invasive alien species of Union concern ("the Union list"). Out of 49 species on the Union list, 17 species are present in Croatia. They include five plants (Plantae), three crustaceans (Crustacea), two freshwater fish (Actinopterygii), one reptile (Reptilia), one bird (Aves), and five mammals (Mammalia). Their systematics and biology, native and introduced range, history of introduction, pathways of introduction to Croatia, impact in the introduced range, including any known impacts in Croatia, are presented. Furthermore, their distribution in Croatia, based on the available data, is shown on the distribution maps.