The oral question and resolution tabled by the environment, public health and food safety committee aims to keep wildlife crime high on the political agenda, both in the EU and globally. It is the fourth-biggest form of illegal activity after drug trafficking, counterfeiting and human trafficking. It has strong links to organised crime and poses a serious threat to regional stability and security, human health and biodiversity. It is estimated that revenues generated by the trafficking of endangered species amount to between €18 and 26 billion per year and that the EU remains both a significant market and transit route for the illegal wildlife trade.
The resolution stresses that a renewed, co-ordinated global response – based on the CITES treaty and other laws and initiatives – is essential, along with strengthened political will at the highest level. A better, more effective use of law enforcement measures and criminal justice systems is needed at both national and international level, and member states must set aside resources to this end. Appropriate criminal penalties must be applied across the board to avoid any loopholes in the system.