The report by Karin Karlsbro (Renew Europe, Sweden) was adopted by 40 votes to 1 with 2 abstentions in the European Parliament’s Committee on International Trade (INTA). It expresses Parliament’s consent to the ratification of the Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA) on forest management and timber trade between the EU and Honduras.
This agreement was signed by the EU and Honduras on 23 February (see EUROPE 12665/30). It will allow for the issuance of FLEGT (Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade) licences that ensure that timber has been harvested, processed and exported in accordance with that country’s laws.
The INTA Committee also approved Ms Karlsbro’s draft resolution accompanying the draft report (34 votes in favour, 1 against, 8 abstentions).
In this recommendation, MEPs insist on the proper implementation of the agreement by both parties and call on Honduras to commit to fighting corruption and strengthening forest protection.
“For the EU, the agreement is in line with its objectives to encourage sustainable forest management. It addresses deforestation and forest degradation [...] The EU needs to carefully monitor and offer capacity support to ensure its effective implementation”, said Ms Karslbro.
The vote on the text is expected to take place at the April plenary. (Original version in French by Léa Marchal)