Brussels, 18 June 2019. In a written interview with Kyodo News, EU Commissioner Karmenu Vella addressed the issue of eel trafficking. Vella is the Commissioner for the Environment (DG ENV), Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (DG MARE)

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(…) On illegal trade of young European eels to China, some of which are subsequently shipped to Japan after being raised in the Asian country, Vella said it was essential to further strengthen cooperation between the European Union and the destination countries to protect the endangered species.

“I believe that improving traceability of the remaining glass eels still in trade would substantially contribute to closing the illegal eel business,” he said.

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Read the full interview on kyodonews.net

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