In collaboration with Fern, IRI DRC recently participated in a meeting with the European Union’s Directorate General for International Partnerships. IRI DRC is working hand in hand with Fern to influence European policies that directly affect the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The meeting had three objectives: (i) learn about the Director General’s position on proficiency testing and Voluntary Partnership Agreements (VPAs), (ii) learn about the Directorate General’s views on deforestation regulations and measures to be taken, and (iii) receive updates on evolving forest partnerships. All parties discussed new regulations, EU’s budget, the future of Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade, and the second generation of Voluntary Partnership Agreements.