EU Nations Push to Undermine Landmark Deforestation Law

Hailed as a groundbreaking victory for environmentalism, the EU’s new deforestation law is now under threat from within. Several member states are calling for implementation delays, citing concerns over the administrative burden on European farmers. Critics warn that any weakening of this law will damage the EU’s credibility and jeopardize crucial progress towards ending deforestation.

Pioneering Legislation – and the Backlash Begins

The EU Regulation on Deforestation-Free Products (EUDR), enacted in December 2022, was a significant achievement. It prohibits the sale of key commodities responsible for deforestation (palm oil, cocoa, beef, soy, etc.) unless they can be proven as deforestation-free and legally produced. The EU is the second-largest importer of these products, and this law was meant to address the bloc’s contribution to this global crisis.

However, just months after its passage, seven EU member states are attempting to undermine the law. Agriculture ministers cite concerns about the administrative burden it places on European farmers. Campaigners see this as a deliberate attempt to sabotage the EUDR.

Derailing Action, Damaging Credibility

Environmental NGOs have sounded the alarm, with more than 40 groups from 15 states issuing an open letter condemning this effort. They argue that the EUDR is already driving positive changes on the ground, incentivizing supply chain monitoring and traceability improvements in countries like Cote d’Ivoire.

The law is also immensely popular, with 87% of EU citizens backing it. Weakening the EUDR would not only send a negative message to other nations but would also defy the will of EU citizens and the democratic principles by which the law was passed.

The Need for Support, Not Sabotage

Rather than undermining the EUDR, critics argue that EU member states should offer focused support to small-scale farmers to help them comply with the regulation. The focus should be on implementation, ensuring businesses and governments worldwide feel the pressure to end deforestation practices for the sake of the European market.