EFI will be tasked with facilitating negotiations between the commission and wood-producing developing countries in order to combat illegal logging. It will also provide technical assistance.
The action plan, which aims to support improved governance in timber-producing countries, incorporates a licensing scheme to ensure only legal timber enters the EU.
Countries, starting with Ghana, Malaysia and Indonesia, will enter into voluntary partnership agreements with the commission.
“This action plan means conquering a new era of expertise for EFI,” said the institute. “Recruitment of four experts will start soon as well as the nomination of the steering committee.”
