MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Consequences of a possible reclassification of the eel under Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora – P-000590/2025(ASW)

In preparation of the next Conference of Parties (CoP) to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)[1] that will take place on 24 November — 5 December 2025, the Commission, in cooperation with the experts from the Member States, has identified a number of species that required to be analysed in view of potential EU listing proposals.

Amongst others, the listing of the European eel (Anguilla anguilla, currently listed in Appendix II) in Appendix I was considered in this context, taking into account the advice from the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea.

However, the analysis and the input from Member States experts, stakeholders and other Range States of European eel have led the Commission to conclude that it is necessary to further analyse the potential impact of the uplisting of the European eel on the conservation status of the species.

Therefore, at this stage, the Commission does not intend to propose to the Council listing of European eel in CITES Appendix I.

• [1] https://cites.org/eng