It’s official: the Voluntary Partnership Agreement (VPA) on Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) between the European Union (EU) and Côte d’Ivoire officially entered into force on May 1st, 2025.

This marks a decisive step forward in the joint fight against illegal logging and in promoting the legal and sustainable management of Ivorian forest resources.

A Shared Commitment for the Future of Forests

The FLEGT VPA represents a strong, mutual commitment from both parties to:

·        Promote legal and traceable timber trade.

·        Strengthening forest governance and transparency.

·        Support the sustainability of the timber sector in Côte d’Ivoire.

Toward Concrete Implementation

The EU Delegation and Ivorian authorities are working closely together to ensure a rapid and consistent implementation of the agreement. This effort is aligned with the European Union’s Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), which seeks to prevent the import of products linked to deforestation and forest degradation.

A Multi-Stakeholder Approach

The European Union reaffirms its full support to Côte d’Ivoire and remains deeply engaged alongside all stakeholders — public institutions, the private sector, and civil society — to ensure this transition leads to lasting impact.

This agreement is more than just a legal framework; it is a foundation for a greener, more transparent, and more resilient forest economy in Côte d’Ivoire.