European Parliament backs stronger EU action ahead of global wildlife trade talks

Brussels, 23 October 2025 — The European Parliament has adopted its position for the upcoming global wildlife trade conference, setting out its priorities for the 20th meeting of 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. 

IFAW welcomes the resolution’s calls for decisions under CITES to be based on the best available science and the precautionary principle. The resolution also stresses the need to urgently criminalise the trade in all illegally sourced wildlife – either CITES-listed or only protected at national level - across the EU.  

“This resolution shows that the European Parliament wants the EU to take real responsibility for its role in the global wildlife trade,” said Ilaria Di Silvestre, Director of Policy and Advocacy, Europe at IFAW. “It’s a clear message that protecting species must come before profit.” 

MEPs are also pushing for stronger action against wildlife trafficking inside the EU. They call on the Commission to close loopholes in the current ivory trade rules and to make them legally binding. The resolution highlights the growing problem of wildlife crime online and asks that it is treated with the same urgency as other forms of cybercrime. It urges 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.  

In addition, Parliament wants more support for rescue and rehabilitation centres caring for confiscated or injured animals. It proposes a coordinated approach involving species experts and specialised facilities across the EU. 

The resolution also supports the inclusion in CITES Appendixes or uplisting of species threatened by trade, including sharks, rays, reptiles, birds and mammals. In particular, it calls for stronger protection for critically endangered species such as the oceanic whitetip shark, whale shark and mobulid rays. 

“Stronger EU backing for these listings could make a real difference at CITES CoP20,” Di Silvestre added. “By defending science-based proposals and using a precautionary approach to lead its position at the CoP, the EU has the opportunity to support global efforts to protect wildlife.” 

IFAW now calls on the European Commission and EU Member States to reflect the Parliament’s position in the EU’s common negotiating stance and to champion ambitious, enforceable measures in Samarkand and beyond that will safeguard animals and nature for future generations. 

Contact: 

Ilaria Di Silvestre 
Director of Policy and Advocacy, Europe 
idisilvestre@ifaw.org 
+32 (0)2 237 60 54