Verbatim report of proceedings

Wednesday, 21 October 2020 - Brussels

Deforestation (debate)

  Carmen Avram (S&D), in writing. – This report recalls the essential role of forests for our planet’s ecosystem, biodiversity and future. It is a reminder that biologically diverse forests, being natural carbon sinks, are indispensable in the fight against climate change, in line with the Paris Agreement’s goals to hold the increase in the global average temperature to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels.

Fighting illegal timber logging is also central. It recalls the due diligence criteria of the EU Timber Regulation. The text repeats its demand that imports of timber and timber products should be more thoroughly checked at the EU’s borders to ensure that imported products do indeed comply with our legislation.

Moreover, I want to stress that trade and investment policy need to be reviewed in order to address the global deforestation challenge in a more effective manner, and by creating globally a level playing field, and take into account the link between trade agreements and global biodiversity as well as forest ecosystems.

Finally I support the calls on the Commission and Member States to develop information and awareness-raising campaigns about the imported timber products and their impact on the world’s forests and biodiversity-rich ecosystems. Our youth and next generation are on our side and we shouldn’t lose them.