On 8 May, the COTANCE Presidency met with Emanuele Pitto (DG ENV) to discuss the critical state of play around the EU Deforestation action (EUDR).

COTANCE President Manuel Rios and Vice-President Fabrizio Nutti delivered a clear message:

If hides, skins, and leather remain in Annex I, EU tanners face a supply crisis. With traceability tied to the meat sector—and no clear signals from intra- or extra-EU suppliers – European tanners are left waiting and uncertain whether they’ll have access to the raw materials they need.

The meeting reaffirmed that COTANCE stands firmly with our people, family businesses, and regions—unfairly impacted by regulations that have no real connection to the leather sector.

We are grateful for the opportunity to this dialogue and will continue communicating, advocating, and defending the interests of European tanners for as long as it takes.

EU Environment and Climate UNIC – Concerie Italiane Gustavo Gonzalez-Quijano INPELSA.