The European Union (EU) is on track in its efforts to combat illegal logging and trade in illegal timber, according to a report published by the European Commission.
The report examines the effectiveness of the EU timber regulation during its first two years of implementation. The report finds some positive trends are visible, namely that EU operators are gradually taking steps to ensure the legality of their suppliers and that there is more awareness of the problem of illegal logging amongst EU consumers.
The regulation has also encouraged producer countries to develop systems assessing compliance with the requirements of the legislation. However, more effort is needed from both the Member States and the private sector to ensure its effective and efficient application.
The report states that since 2014 there has been significant progress in the implementation of timber regulation across the EU. While in July 2014 there were 18 non-compliant Member States, in June 2015 the number was reduced to four (Greece, Hungary, Romania and Spain). The Commission launched infringement procedures against these Member States in 2015.
The report notes that the Regulation is widely recognized as adding significant value to the international efforts to halt deforestation and forest degradation, conserve biodiversity and address climate change. The results of evaluation will be used to further improve the implementation and application of the timber regulation.