Division 12 The Union’s position on proposals related to wildlife trafficking should be consistent with the three priorities identified in the Council Conclusions of 20 June 2016 on the EU Action Plan against Wildlife Trafficking, namely:

• preventing wildlife trafficking and addressing its root causes;

• implementing and enforcing existing rules and combating organised wildlife crime more effectively; and

• strengthening the global partnership of source, consumer and transit countries against wildlife trafficking.

The position should also take into account the Commission’s Progress report on the implementation of the EU Action Plan against Wildlife Trafficking.

Consistent with the first priority, the Union is supportive of a better protection through CITES of species currently imported into the Union at unsustainable levels or illegally (notably for the exotic pet trade). Therefore, the Union co-sponsored certain proposals to amend the CITES Appendices in relation to various species of reptiles and amphibians, in particular several species of geckos and newts, and is supportive of other proposals as appropriate.