BRUSSELS – A “shameful” decision by EU governments not to ban the trade in illegal timber must be overturned, a British Euro-MP said yesterday.
Caroline Lucas, who drafted European Parliament proposals endorsing the ban, said that when the issue returns to MEPs for a second vote early next year, tougher rules will have to be reinstated.
“As world leaders seek to secure a climate deal in Copenhagen, EU agricultural ministers have shamefully watered down illegal timber legislation that would make a significant contribution towards meeting the massive challenges ahead,” said the Green MEP.
Securing strong EU legislation against the illegal trade of timber would help to reduce deforestation, she said. – (Reuters)