07 July 2010 - South East MEP Keith Taylor today welcomed a vote in Strasbourg which saw the European Parliament formally adopt a compromise position negotiated between the Environment Committee, Spanish Presidency and the Commission on the regulation of illegally logged timber in the EU.

Keith paid tribute to the work of former Green MEP Caroline Lucas in creating and pushing thorough the crucial legislation aimed at banning illegal timber from the EU market. Dr Lucas was the Parliament’s Rapporteur on this issue until her election to the UK Parliament in May 2010 – Finnish Green MEP Satu Hassi has since taken over the role.

The South East Green MEP said: “The regulation on ‘obligations of operators placing timber or timber products on the market’ is an extremely important breakthrough. It’s a significant step in the EU’s fight against illegal logging and associated deforestation.

“As the Parliament’s lead negotiator on this dossier during her time in Brussels, Caroline Lucas was instrumental in ensuring that a strong position was agreed upon by the Council.

“Essentially, the first operator in the supply chain will be prohibited from placing illegal timber or timber products on the EU market. Sanctions will also be imposed on the operator for any violation of this ban. Full traceability will exist throughout the supply chain, which helps provides guarantees that it won’t be abused.

“There are, however several important elements which didn’t make it through in negotiations between the Parliament and the Council. The Parliament called for the prohibition to apply to all operators in the supply chain, and for an explicit recognition that criminal sanctions could be imposed on operators who traded in illegal timber. Disappointingly, neither of these elements were acceptable to the Council. However, member states are not prevented from imposing criminal sanctions if they see fit.”

Keith continued: “Aside from these shortcomings, today’s vote is good news for the fight against climate change, given that deforestation accounts for 20% of global CO2 emissions. Also, developing countries will profit from the law, as they are currently losing billions of euro in tax revenues due to illegal logging and timber exports.

“This legislation provides a good example of how the EU institutions can deliver positive, workable solutions to global problems.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors

Satu Hassi’s Press Conference can be downloaded at:

http://www.greenmediabox.eu/archive/2010/07/06/pressbriefing/