The EU explained why Ukraine should lift the ban on timber exports
The EU explained why Ukraine should lift the ban on timber exports
© Press service of the SBU
According to the EU, such a ban makes illegal felling and smuggling of the resource more profitable.
The EU declared that the ban on the export of Ukrainian forests is contributing to illegal cutting of trees and is extremely profitable for smugglers. This is stated in the statement of the delegation of the European Union in Ukraine.
European officials claim that the moratorium on the export of Ukrainian forests violates international obligations of Ukraine in the framework of the world trade organization.
See also: satellite images showed deforestation in the Carpathians
On the other hand, the EU expressed understanding for the concerns of Ukrainian citizens for the preservation of the Ukrainian ecosystems and protection of forests. Therefore, the EU is ready to support all efforts of the Ukrainians to preserve a natural resource.
It is noted that stakeholder groups continue to carry out illegal felling of trees and logging, because of the ban of export of timber such activities more profitable. The EU is ready to support raising the fines for such activity, and other law enforcement measures in this area. It is also noted that the EU’s activities are focused on deforestation, but rather helps to counteract it.
Read also: Poroshenko ready to lift the moratorium on timber exports for the tranche of the EU
“EU opens its market to Ukraine, offering huge opportunities for Ukrainian companies of Ukraine and expect the same in relation to the EU. We worked with Ukrainian authorities to find a solution to the problem that will be fair balance between, on the one hand, fair and equal access to natural resources, promoting trade, investment and economic development – and, on the other hand, the protection of valuable and unique natural resources of Ukraine,” – says the EU statement.
Recall, April 9, 2015 the decision of the Verkhovna Rada for a period of 10 years was adopted a ban on the export of Ukrainian forests in raw form. In turn, the EU calls to lift the moratorium on exports of Ukrainian timber, noting that it is a key condition to receive macroeconomic financial assistance.
However, on 2 December, Ukrainian producers went on strike against the lifting of the moratorium on the export of timber. The protesters claim that Ukraine is much more profitable to sell finished products, not raw materials. So let the EU brought to Ukraine of equipment and creates jobs.
In Ukraine could lift the ban on timber exports
TSN. 19:30
30 Nov, 22:00
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This requires the EU and, according to the President of the European Commission, the government even promised him to pass a law in the coming weeks. In Parliament the news was received with indignation. Supposedly, the moratorium has started to develop processing industry in the country. And it can bring much more profit. But the sale of the forest could lead to massive deforestation and destruction of forests.