The 2016 evaluation of the EU FLEGT Action Plan concluded that it continues to be a relevant response to the challenge of illegal logging, effective in terms of raising awareness, contributing to forest governance globally, and that it has helped reduce demand for illegal timber in the EU. It also promotes dialogue and cooperation with other major markets. One of its central elements, the EU Timber Regulation, obliges operators who place timber and timber products on the EU market to exert due diligence to minimise the risk of importing illegally harvested timber. Working with partner countries to improve forest governance and capacity building are key components of the Action Plan. Since 2003, action under the EU FLEGT Action Plan has fought illegal logging and associated trade.

Support the availability and quality of information on forests and commodity supply chains, the access to that information, and support research and innovation.ДЄnnex I to the Communication proposes actions to be implemented by the European Commission to meet these priorities, while Annex II lists actions recommended to EU national, regional and local authorities, industry and civil society.ДЄctions proposed also aim at creating a multi-stakeholder platform and an EU Observatory on deforestation and forest degradation, at exploring possible legislative measures, and at reinforcing the implementation of the EU Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) Action Plan, focusing on fighting illegal logging.ДЄ Staff Working Document, accompanying the Communication, presents a synopsis report of consultation results and feedback.

Redirect finance to support more sustainable land-use practices.

Strengthen international cooperation to halt deforestation and forest degradation, and encourage forest restoration.

Work in partnership with producer countries to reduce pressures on forests and to вЂњdeforest-proofвЂќ EU development cooperation.

Reduce the footprint of EU consumption on land and encourage the consumptionВ of products from deforestation-free supply chains in the EU.

The Communication has the objective of protecting and improving the health of existing forests, especially primary forests, and significantly increasing sustainable, biodiverse forest coverage worldwide. On 23 July 2019, the European Commission adopted an EU Communication on Stepping up EU Action to Protect and Restore the WorldвЂ™s Forests.

The consultation objective is twofold: To ensure that all relevant stakeholders are identified and are given the opportunity to take part in the consultation activities and to gather stakeholder opinions on the potential additional measures at EU level. This consultation will contribute to an impact assessment that will investigate the suitability of a range of different demand-side measures to address deforestation and forest degradation associated with EU consumption. As a follow-up to the EU Communication, an open public consultation on вЂњDeforestation and forest degradation вЂ“ reducing the impact of products placed on the EU marketвЂќ has been launched and is open until COB on 10 December 2020.

The forest 2019