On the draft Council decision on the termination of the Voluntary Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Liberia on… forest law enforcement, governance and trade in timber products to the European Union

The Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA) between the European Union and the Republic of Liberia on forest law enforcement, governance and trade in timber products to the European Union (FLEGT) entered into force on 1 December 2013. The rapporteur regrets that Liberia has not been able to honour its VPA. While the rapporteur believes that FLEGT VPAs provide an important legal framework for both the EU and its partner countries, they can only work properly when both sides are willing to cooperate and to adhere to their commitments. In the present case, the rapporteur believes that the best alternative is to terminate the agreement.

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28.4.2026

for the Committee on International Trade

on the draft Council decision on the termination of the Voluntary Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Liberia on Forest Law Enforcement Governance and Trade in timber products to the European Union

(14569/2025 – C100299/2025 – 2025/0259(NLE))

Rapporteur for opinion: Barry Andrews

The Committee on Development calls on the Committee on International Trade, as the committee responsible, to recommend approval of the draft Council decision on the termination of the Voluntary Partnership Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Liberia on Forest Law Enforcement Governance and Trade in timber products to the European Union.

The Chair in his capacity as rapporteur for opinion declares under his exclusive responsibility that he did not include in his opinion input from interest representatives falling within the scope of the Interinstitutional Agreement on a mandatory transparency register, or from representatives of public authorities of third countries, including their diplomatic missions and embassies, to be listed in this Annex pursuant to Article 8 of Annex I to the Rules of Procedure.