On 23 June 2026, the Council of the European Union (Environment) was informed of the outcomes of the Fifteenth Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS COP15), held in Campo Grande, Brazil, from 23 to 29 March 2026. The Presidency and the Commission presented the results, which include the addition of 40 new species to the Appendices, adoption of new action plans and resolutions, and a budget of just over €11 million for 2027-2029. No changes to EU law are required, as the newly listed species are either already protected under EU legislation or the EU is not a range state.
COP15 saw over 2,000 participants, including 76 Parties (60 with proper credentials), though attendance was lower than expected due to Middle East hostilities and funding shortages for developing-country delegations. An updated report showed that 49% of CMS-listed migratory species populations are declining (a 5% increase since 2024) and 24% face extinction (a 2% increase). New listings include the Pelagic Thresher, Striped Hyena, Giant Otter, Zimbabwe Cheetah, and Snowy Owl. Two proposals were withdrawn: the Bukhara deer (removal from Appendix I) due to lack of scientific basis, and the Angular angelshark (Appendix II) after no range-state agreement.
Concerted actions were adopted for several species, including the Chimpanzee, Eurasian Lynx, Striped Hyena, Sperm whale (Eastern Tropical Pacific), Basking Shark, Blue Shark, and all Devil and Manta Ray species. Action plans were adopted or updated for the Jaguar, Tope Shark, Amazonian Migratory Catfish, European Eel, Humpback Whales, Bustards, Steppe Eagle, African-Eurasian Vultures, and Landbirds. On aquatic issues, a deep-sea mining report was distributed without recommendations, and a previous COP decision urging no mining until sufficient science was left untouched. Resolutions addressed bycatch, fish aggregating devices, marine pollution, vessel strikes, and the European Eel action plan.
On avian matters, a resolution on illegal killing, taking, and trade of migratory birds was amended; the seabird agenda advanced with formalisation of marine flyways; the Multi-species Action Plan for Bustards (2026-2037), led by Hungary, was adopted; and the Steppe Eagle Global Action Plan was adopted. Terrestrial decisions included a revision of the joint CITES-CMS African Carnivores Initiative work programme, the Central Asian Mammals Initiative Work Programme 2026-2032, and noting the Regional Action Plan for Jaguar. Cross-cutting outcomes included the establishment of a new Global Initiative on Taking of Migratory Species (GTI), adoption of decisions on ecological connectivity, and reiteration that the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) is essential for CMS and vice versa. The EU secured removal of references to developed-country funding indicators.
The COP agreed not to explore the Global Environment Facility (GEF) as a financial mechanism, and the Standing Committee will prepare a resource mobilisation strategy for COP16. The budget of €11 million for 2027-2029 represents an 8% increase over the previous triennium but falls short of the Secretariat's moderate growth scenario. New Scientific Council members were elected, including two new councillors for terrestrial mammals and wildlife health. Standing Committee members for Europe are Belgium, Montenegro, and the UK, with alternates France, North Macedonia, and Monaco.
The Pantanal Declaration, proposed by Brazil and adopted by Brazil, Bolivia, and Paraguay, was opened for signature but received only 19 signatories, none from the EU or its Member States, as it was not shared beforehand or negotiated. Germany offered to host COP16 in Bonn in 2029, marking the 50th anniversary of CMS.