Belgium bought illegal Russian timber worth 15m euros

Since Russia invaded Ukraine, it has illegally exported 500,000 cubic metres of timber worth 1.5 billion euros to Europe. Belgium received 142 truckloads of birch wood - almost 5,000 cubic metres - worth 14.8 million euros, according to the British NGO Earthsight, as reported by De Tijd.
Despite an EU ban on Russian timber imports, Moscow continues to export via Turkey, China, Kazakhstan and Georgia. All EU member states are involved in this illegal trade.
Since 2022, more than 700 cubic metres of illegal timber has entered Europe every day. Poland is the largest importer, followed by Spain, Portugal, Italy and Estonia, while Belgium remains a major market. The wood is particularly sought after for its layered structure, durability and lack of cavities.
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