Event “On the way to CITES CoP20: Acknowledging CITES role as an international trade convention securing a sustainable management of wildlife resources”
Thursday 25th September 2025 at 08:30 – 10:30 CEST
European Parliament, Spinelli Room 3H1
The MEP Group on Climate Change, Biodiversity and Sustainable Development is pleased to organise an event on “On the way to CITES CoP20: Acknowledging CITES role as an international trade convention securing a sustainable management of wildlife resources”, at the European Parliament, Spinelli 3H1, from 08:30 to 10:30 CEST.
As preparations intensify for the 20th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES COP 20), the European Parliament is currently working on its draft motion for a resolution that will help shape the EU’s position at this critical international meeting.
This event of the MEP Group on ‘Climate Change, Biodiversity and Sustainable Development’ will provide a timely opportunity to reflect on the EU’s strategic objectives, aiming at supporting a coherent and forward-looking EU approach by bringing together EU institutions, Member States, and relevant stakeholders ahead of CITES COP 20. It will highlight the importance of reaffirming CITES as a convention centred on regulating legal, sustainable, and traceable trade in wildlife, while ensuring that such trade does not threaten their survival.
Acknowledging CITES’ role and importance as an international trade convention will be central to this event’s discussion, while stressing the importance of the EU Action Plan Against Wildlife Trafficking. This action plan provides a comprehensive blueprint for tackling illegal trade through stronger enforcement, international cooperation, and demand reduction – all within the boundaries of CITES’ trade-based approach. By focusing on these priorities and securing science-based decision making, the EU can lead with credibility and clarity in the run-up to COP 20.
Register here to attend in person, and here to attend online
Draft agenda
Event moderated by Ilias Grampas, Deputy Director, EBCD, Secretariat of the MEP Group on ‘Climate Change, Biodiversity and Sustainable Development’
08:30 – 08:45: Welcome participants
08:45 – 08:50: Introduction by Despina Symons Pirovolidou, Director, EBCD
08:50 – 09:00: Opening remarks by MEP Michal Wiezik/ MEP Cesar Luena
09:00– 09:30: Reactions by:
- Karen Gaynor, Scientific Support Officer, CITES Secretariat
- Steven Broad, Independent Advice and Research – Trade, Nature and Strategy, former TRAFFIC Executive Director (tbc)
- Kim Friedman, Senior Fishery Resources Officer, FAO (tbc)
- Svein A. Fossa, President, European Pet Organisation (EPO)
- Nicolas Galudec, Senior Policy Advisor , UNEP Brussels Office
- Dr. Dan Challender, Senior Research Fellow, University of Oxford & Member of the Sustainable Use and Livelihoods (SULI) Specialist Group, IUCN
09:30– 10:05: Q&A session with the audience, including reactions from additional MEPs:
- MEP Manuela Ripa (tbc)
- MEP Antonio Decaro (tbc)
10:05-10:20: Intervention by Cristina de Avilla, Head of Unit on “Global Environmental Cooperation and Multilateralism” (DG ENV F3), European Commission
10:20 – 10:30: Closing remarks by MEP Cesar Luena / MEP Michal Wiezik
Find the full concept note here
