The EU Timber Regulation: Three years of ineffective implementation1

• Environment and Energy, Op-ed
• 30/06/2016

The EU tends to be a credible force in fighting the illegal logging and related trade issues. For that reason, the European Union Timber Regulation (EUTR) in its essence fights illegal logging matters by prohibiting the placement of any illegally sourced timber and timber products on the European market. Three years after it entered into force, the regulation seems to be ineffective by failing to prohibit illegally logged wood products from entering the EU market. On top of that, the regulation could have a detrimental effect in developing countries by potentially harming their progress.