EUDR, UNIC on a mission to Brussels with Cotance

On 8 April, a delegation from UNIC – Concerie Italiane attended a meeting at the European Parliament with the European Commission, facilitated by Cotance and organised by MEP Dario Nardella. The occasion provided an opportunity to call for the removal of bovine hide and leather from Annex I of the EUDR Regulation. Luca Marrucci of the Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies in Pisa provided a scientific explanation as to why the material is not a driver of deforestation, whilst employers’ associations voiced the concerns of EU SMEs and diplomatic representatives from partner countries (such as the USA, Canada, Australia, Vietnam and India) highlighted the potential distorting effects on global supply chains.

Alongside Cotance’s president, Manuel Ríos, were Fabrizio Nuti and Piero Rosati, president and vice-president of UNIC respectively, along with board members Roberto Lupi, Michele Matteoli and Marco Blasio. Francesco Matelli, president of the Leather Arbitration Chamber, also attended the meeting.