Illegal logging of Romanian forests

16.7.2015

Question for written answer E-011336-15
to the Commission
Rule 130
Doru-Claudian Frunzulică (S&D)

Romania, which has the largest area of virgin forests in the EU, is also the country most affected by illegal logging in Europe. It has the most important forests in Europe in terms of biodiversity, size and intact forest landscapes. According to the Romanian authorities, some 80 million cubic metres (2.8 billion cubic feet) of wood has been illegally logged in the country over the past 20 years, resulting in a loss of EUR 5 billion (USD 5.4 billion).

Romania is among Europe’s main timber producers. More people work in forestry and wood processing in Romania than is the case in most other Member States. The EU’s Timber Regulation obliges timber firms to make sure they do not source and place on the EU market products made from illegally harvested logs. But Romania’s experience seems to suggest that enforcement remains a problem.

What steps is the Commission considering taking to ensure that the Romanian authorities implement the regulation? How will the Commission contribute directly or indirectly to reducing deforestation and forest degradation in Romania?