Resolution of 23 October 2025 on the EU strategic objectives forthe 20th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on InternationalTrade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), to be held inSamarkand, Uzbekistan, from 24 November to 5 December 2025

The European Parliament adopted a resolution on the EU strategic objectives for the 20th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), to be held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, from 24 November to 5 December 2025.

Following the 50th anniversary of CITES, the continued importance of the convention in ensuring that international trade in specimens of wild fauna and flora is regulated so that it does not threaten the survival of species. However, although progress has been made, Parliament stressed the need to adapt the convention to new and evolving challenges such as the increased demand for wildlife products, cybercrime, biodiversity loss, climate change and the need for greater traceability and enforcement. The Parties to CITES are called on to address these challenges, with enhanced cooperation, stronger enforcement, and more effective mechanisms for ensuring sustainable trade.

The resolution underlined the need for a precautionary, science-based approach when implementing CITES to ensure the effective protection of wildlife against the increasing threat posed by international trade to individual animals, species and biodiversity and to the health of humans and animals.

Enforcement and traceability

Furthermore, Parliament called on all Parties to CITES to step up their implementation and enforcement of the convention, making full use of the available legal framework. It also put focus on traceability of trade in CITES-listed species. This includes improved monitoring mechanisms, transparency in the supply chain, data sharing, digitalisation of trade systems.

The resolution emphasised the need for the increased engagement of financial intelligence units, anti-corruption agencies and financial institutions in supporting the implementation of CITES. It also encouraged all Parties to explore, where applicable, options to prosecute those organising or enabling wildlife trafficking under laws directly addressing corruption, as these may provide stronger investigative powers and the potential for higher penalties than applicable under environmental legislation. Members called for the integration of emerging technologies, such as AI-based tracking systems and drone surveillance, to enhance detection and enforcement efforts.

Funding

Parliament called:

- on the Commission and all Parties to guarantee sufficient financial, human, technical and technological resources for the proper implementation and enforcement of the Convention, while optimising the use of current resources and mechanisms;

- for the next EU multiannual financial framework to allocate dedicated funding to combating illegal wildlife trade and supporting the sustainable use of natural resources.

Strengthening the EU’s role in the global fight against wildlife trafficking

Members emphasised that concerns related to illegal wildlife trade should be systematically included in EU trade policy, including through bilateral agreements. They expressed concern that ivory continues to be trafficked within the EU and called for legally binding legislation on this matter. They called on the Commission to swiftly propose an EU-wide positive list of animals allowed to be kept or traded as pets.

In addition, Parliament highlighted the critical importance of establishing a detailed EU information system to tackle the issue of illicit wildlife trade. It urged the European Commission and Member States to make better use of digital tools such as TRACES to record and publish data on volume and origin of all wildlife species imported into the EU.

Members called for more support for rescue and rehabilitation centres caring for confiscated or injured animals.

Amendments to the CITES Appendices

Parliament noted that a large share of species subject to international trade are not covered by CITES Appendices and urged action in this matter. It supports the listing or ‘uplisting’ of species threatened by trade (exotic pet trade, coral species, timber species, aquatic species) where criteria are met. Moreover, the EU is called on to assess proposals (such as the peregrine falcon) against listing criteria and oppose down‐listing if conditions are not met.