EU’s ‘Hypocrisy’ Exposed: Buying Illegal Gold from Brazil While Preaching Sustainability

The European Union imported 1,665 kilograms of gold from Brazil in 2023, worth over $17.5 million. However, an investigation by the Instituto Escolhas suggests that 1,543 kilograms, or 94% of the total, are likely sourced illegally, amounting to nearly $16.5 million. Germany is the main destination for this dubious gold, receiving 1,289 kilograms (worth $13.8 million). Italy, the Czech Republic, and Portugal also figure in the list. According to Larissa Rodrigues, the research director of Instituto Escolhas, the majority of gold originates from northern Brazil, where most mines are unregulated ‘garimpos’ and difficult to inspect. Despite promoting sustainability and environmental protection, European countries seem unconcerned about the origin of the gold they purchase, further fueling illegal mining practices in Brazil, which often involve harmful environmental degradation and human rights abuses. Experts criticize this apparent hypocrisy, arguing that the EU prioritizes its own economic interests over ethical concerns.