The European Union (EU) adopted an action plan here Wednesday to combat illegal logging and the trade in illegal timber in wood-producing countries. The plan, named the Action Plan for Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade, includes concrete measures such as support for improved governance in wood-producing countries, voluntary partnerships with wood-producing countries and international collaboration. The measures are designed to ensure that only legally harvested timber can enter the EU market, according to a press release issued by the European Commission, the executive arm of the EU. European Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid Poul Nielson was quoted as urging wood-consuming countries to recognize the vital role they must play in closing down the international trade in illegal timber. "The European Commission is committed to combating illegal logging, by helping to improve law enforcement and governance in wood-producing countries, and by working to stop the trade in illegally harvested wood and wood products," he said. Illegal logging and the international trade in illegal timber are prominent among factors driving the rapid loss of global forests. This rapid destruction adversely affects many of the world 's poorest people, who depend on forest resources for a living, the press release said. Illegal logging also fuels corruption and undermines the rule of law in many wood-producing countries. It deprives governments of vital revenues to spend on poverty reduction programs. The World Bank estimates that developing countries are currently losing some 10 billion to 15 billion US dollars annually due to illegal logging.