Hungary's food safety agency has confirmed the first detection of the spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) in the European Union. This invasive insect, originally from Southeast Asia, has been linked to severe agricultural damage in the United States. Growing up to 2.5 centimeters (about one inch) long, the spotted lanternfly is known for its rapid spread and its ability to harm a wide range of crops, including grapevines and fruit trees. When infestations become heavy, they can weaken plants and contribute to the spread of diseases and other pests. The insect was discovered in Bács-Kiskun county in southern Hungary, a region that shares a border with Serbia. According to the National Food Chain Safety Office (Nebih), this marks the first confirmed presence of the spotted lanternfly in Hungary and the broader European Union. The agency classified the insect as a quarantine pest, meaning it poses a significant risk to local agriculture and ecosystems. The discovery was made after a local resident reported an unknown insect, prompting laboratory testing that confirmed the identity of the pest. In response, authorities have begun implementing quarantine measures to prevent its spread. Nebih has stressed the importance of public awareness and early reporting in controlling the insect’s spread. The agency is urging residents to remain vigilant and report any sightings of the spotted lanternfly to help prevent its establishment in the region. The spotted lanternfly was first detected in the United States in 2014, when an egg mass was found in a shipment of stone imported from China. Since then, it has spread across several states, causing significant economic damage. A 2020 study by Penn State University estimated that the insect caused $554 million in annual agricultural losses in Pennsylvania alone, along with the loss of nearly 5,000 jobs each year. The discovery in Hungary raises concerns about the potential for similar impacts in European agriculture if the pest is not effectively controlled.