Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES): accession of the EU

The Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety adopted the report by Pilar AYUSO (EPP, ES) on the draft Council decision concerning the accession of the European Union to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

Accession of the European Union to CITES will enable the EU to be adequately represented at CITES meetings and to play a full role in the work of the Convention, in line with the Treaties and established practices for external representation. It will enable the Commission, on behalf of the European Union, to lead negotiations and to be a catalyst in achieving a balanced compromise between the 28 Member States’ positions. When becoming a Party to the CITES, the European Union will be granted formal responsibilities and become accountable to other Parties for the implementation and enforcement of the Convention.

Accession to CITES by the European Union will render the legal status of the European Union in the CITES more transparent vis-à-vis third parties to the Convention. It is a logical and necessary step to ensure that the European Union is fully able to pursue its objectives under its environmental policy.

Consequently, Members recommended the European Parliament to give its consent to the accession of the EU to the Convention.