The EU Commission is calling for public feedback on EU action to tackle illegal logging. This “fitness check” will, according to the Commission “look at the effectiveness, efficiency, coherence, relevance and EU added value of both regulations in contributing to the fight against illegal logging globally. It will also include the implementing regulations of both instruments as well as the delegated regulation on Monitoring Organisations and will cover all Member States and relevant third countries”. 

Findings of the fitness check will also be considered in the assessment of demand-side measures for other commodities associated with deforestation. Commitments to this effect are embedded in a Communication on Stepping up EU Action to Protect and Restore the World’s Forests, which the Commission adopted in July 2019.

Comments on the EUTR and FLEGT Regulations can be submitted until 28 February 2020. Click here to participate.