Commissioner Piebalgs in London to promote EU action against illegal timber export from developing countries
The EU must be at the forefront of fight against illegal timber trade. Following Ghana, the Republic of Congo, and soon Cameroon, I encourage all wood producing countries to sign the tailor-made voluntary trade agreements with the EU, named "FLEGT". This is in our mutual interest: we guarantee European consumers that the furniture, the decoration and any wooden product they buy has been legally produced and imported within the EU, in respect of the biodiversity and forest life cycle; in the same time, thi will benefit developing countries who will enjoy a legal and sustainable exploitation of their forests, ensuring jobs creation and domestic resources.
For more information read: the press release - and FAQ on illegal logging and FLEGT
