Fighting Illegal Logging in Europe. An Overview of Trends, Players and Action

This report analyses illegal logging in the EU, considering the Union’s double role as an importer and as a producer of illegal timber. From this perspective, the report details the main sources and routes, focusing on member states, Southeast Asia and Latin America. It then considers the legislative and operative framework at the member state and EU level, with details also on international institutions and treaties. It then assesses the obstacles in the fight against illegal logging, from an operative and a legislative point of view, finally debating the solutions being adopted globally – technological, but also concerning criminal justice strategies, programmes such as the EU’s Forest Law Enforcement, Government and Trade Action Plan (FLEGT AP) and Voluntary Partnership Agreements (VPAs), and intelligence work.

Cover photo: Lorenzo Colantoni