Potential inclusion of Pernambuco in Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora Appendix I and safeguarding European cultural heritage
19.11.2025
Question for written answer E-004606/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
François-Xavier Bellamy (PPE), Michalis Hadjipantela (PPE), Isabelle Le Callennec (PPE), Massimiliano Salini (PPE), Christophe Gomart (PPE), Lukas Mandl (PPE), Bogdan Andrzej Zdrojewski (PPE), Letizia Moratti (PPE), Laurent Castillo (PPE), Daniel Caspary (PPE), Céline Imart (PPE), Gheorghe Falcă (PPE), Nadine Morano (PPE), Marco Falcone (PPE)
On 24 November 2025, the next Conference of the Parties (CoP20) to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) will begin. Among the issues discussed could be a proposal to move Paubrasilia echinata (Pernambuco) from Appendix II to Appendix I.
Pernambuco is essential for crafting the fine bows used by classical musicians across the world. For centuries, European bowmakers have cultivated exceptional artisanal skills that form part of our shared cultural heritage and are vital to the future of chamber and orchestral music. While maintaining Pernambuco in Appendix II ensures a balanced approach that protects biodiversity, combats illegal logging, and allows a sustainable, traceable and responsible craft to thrive, transferring it to Appendix I would in practice block the trade and transport of this essence, endanger the survival of European workshops and threaten a living tradition at the heart of Europe’s cultural identity.
- 1.Will the Commission commit to supporting the maintenance of Pernambuco in CITES Appendix II, recognising that environmental conservation and cultural preservation are mutually reinforcing objectives?
- 2.Will the Commission explicitly call on the Member States to reflect this concern in their vote?
- 3.Does it intend to ensure the free circulation of existing bows and prevent the implementation of CITES regulations from imposing disproportionate administrative burdens on craftsmen and small businesses?
Submitted: 19.11.2025