A new report by TRAFFIC, a leading global non-governmental organization specializing in wildlife trade, reveals a troubling rise in the illegal trafficking of critically endangered species within the European Union. The report, An Overview of Seizures of CITES-Listed Wildlife in the European Union: January to December 2023, provides a comprehensive analysis of wildlife trade seizures made by EU Member States, shedding light on the growing scale and impact of this transnational crime.

The findings are based on data reported to the Europe Trade in Wildlife Information eXchange (EU-TWIX), a platform that facilitates information sharing among enforcement authorities across Europe. According to the report, some of the top commodities seized in 2023 include critically endangered European eels, rare timber species, and medicinal plants—all protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

Valued at an estimated \$23 billion annually, the illegal trade in wild species is one of the most pressing threats to global biodiversity. The trade not only endangers vulnerable species but also contributes to the degradation of ecosystems and the growth of organized environmental crime networks. TRAFFIC’s latest analysis underscores the vital need for reinforced enforcement, enhanced public awareness, and coordinated international efforts to stem the tide of wildlife trafficking.

“The EU remains a significant market for wildlife trafficking, as commercial entities and individuals continue to smuggle wild species and their products into, through, and from EU Member States,” said Anastasiya Timoshyna, Director of TRAFFIC’s European Programme Office. “This report highlights key trends, species in trade, enforcement efforts, and areas requiring urgent policy intervention during a landmark year for the region, including the 20th anniversary of EU-TWIX and the upcoming CITES CoP20 conference.”

The 2023 report identifies a notable increase in the illegal trade of European eels (Anguilla anguilla), a species classified as critically endangered. Despite trade restrictions, thousands of juvenile eels continue to be smuggled from Europe to Asia, where they are sold for consumption. Timber products from endangered tree species and medicinal plants used in traditional remedies were also among the most commonly seized items, highlighting a growing demand for natural resources at the expense of environmental sustainability.

The report comes amid a strengthening of EU legislative frameworks to combat wildlife crime. Key instruments include the revised EU Action Plan against Wildlife Trafficking (2022–2027), the Environmental Crime Directive, and the forthcoming EU Regulation on Deforestation-Free Products. These policy measures are designed to disrupt illegal supply chains, enhance legal accountability, and reduce the EU’s environmental footprint.

TRAFFIC’s analysis emphasizes that while enforcement actions have been increasingly effective, gaps remain in cross-border cooperation, species monitoring, and public engagement. Strengthening the capacity of customs, police, and environmental authorities remains a top priority, particularly in transit hubs and high-risk entry points.

As the EU prepares to mark two decades of collaboration through the EU-TWIX platform and participates in key international negotiations such as the 20th Conference of the Parties to CITES (CoP20), the findings serve as a timely call to action. Effective implementation of current policies, coupled with greater public awareness and international cooperation, will be crucial to preserving the world’s biodiversity and tackling the illicit trade in wildlife.