EU Parliament Agree to Postpone, Soften Deforestation Ban on Imports

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• The European Parliament voted to delay the EU deforestation regulation to the end of 2025, pushing small companies’ compliance to mid-2026.
• Environmental NGOs warn that the delay and amendments could weaken the law and lead to increased global deforestation.
• Key cocoa-producing nations and industry leaders argue that they are ready for implementation, seeing the postponement as a threat to business stability and environmental progress.

The European Parliament’s recent vote to delay the EU deforestation regulation signals a shift that could impact environmental and trade policies for years to come. While the law was originally set to take effect by December 2024 for large companies, it now faces a one-year postponement, pushing deadlines to the end of 2025, with smaller companies complying by mid-2026.

Under the proposed law, beef products, cocoa, coffee, palm oil, rubber, soy, and wood, and their derivative products must not come from deforested land, and importers must guarantee full traceability.

This delay comes alongside amendments designed to ease the regulatory burden on importers, a move that has sparked concerns from environmental groups and certain MEPs.

Environmental Concerns Amplified The implications of this postponement are significant. Global deforestation remains an urgent issue, with recent studies highlighting that in 2023 alone, approximately 37,000 square kilometers of tropical forest were lost—an area nearly the size of Switzerland. “We are facing a global emergency,” stated Anna Cavazzini, MEP for Germany’s Green party. “I simply find it irresponsible to delay this law by another year in this situation.” EU data suggest that a 12-month delay could lead to an additional 2,300 square kilometers of forest loss, further straining global efforts to combat climate change and protect biodiversity.

Political and Economic Balance Supporters of the delay argue that it allows member states and industries additional time to prepare, ensuring a smoother transition. Christine Schneider of the EPP Group noted, “We aim to stop illegal global deforestation, but without overburdening European farmers, companies, or international trading partners.”

However, critics, including NGOs and political leaders, argue that the amendments dilute the law’s original intent. “With this delay, a new legislative proposal is effectively being introduced into the process, where amendments can also be made, and there are many, many actors who would prefer to scrap or weaken the law,” warned Cavazzini. The newly added “no-risk” category for countries introduces potential loopholes that could allow certain regions to bypass stringent checks.

Reactions from Industry and Developing Nations Despite some claims from European industry groups about the unpreparedness for compliance, others are ready to move forward. Ghana and Ivory Coast, the leading cocoa producers supplying Europe, have taken significant steps to align with the EU regulation. Ivory Coast implemented electronic ID systems to trace cocoa beans, while Ghana established a comprehensive traceability system to reduce costs for smallholder farmers.

In an open letter, major players like Nestlé, Mars Wrigley, and Ferrero stated, “This would only serve to increase uncertainty and jeopardize the significant investments our member companies have made in preparing for its application.” Nicole Polsterer of Fern added that companies like Michelin have already invested heavily to comply by the original deadline. “I don’t think this bodes well for business security and Europe’s relationship with trade partners,” she commented.

Political Shifts and Future Implications The vote, passed by 371 votes in favor, reflects a changing dynamic in the European Parliament. The coalition supporting the delay, comprising the EPP, ECR, PfE, and ESN, signals a potential shift in future environmental policy. This “anti-green” majority could influence upcoming legislative decisions, possibly weakening other pillars of the Green Deal. President Ursula von der Leyen now faces a complex challenge, as the amendments were driven by her own EPP party. This growing division raises questions about the EU’s future commitment to its climate and sustainability goals.

RELATED ARTICLE: EU Delays Mandate on Business Supply Chains to Eliminate Deforestation

Next Steps for the Commission The European Commission, tasked with overseeing the implementation of the regulation, must decide whether to accept the amendments or oppose them. Should the Commission choose to reject the changes, the Council of the EU would need unanimous support to reinstate the amendments—an outcome that is far from guaranteed. Eric Mamer, the Commission’s spokesperson, stated that the Commission is currently evaluating the vote’s outcome before deciding on its course of action.

Environmental advocates warn that accepting a diluted deforestation law could set a precedent for scaling back other critical Green Deal measures, even those already adopted. Greenpeace expressed concerns that this could undermine the EU’s position as a global leader in sustainability and weaken international partnerships aimed at combating deforestation and climate change.

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