Green MEPs criticize EU Commission for delays in deforestation law

Brussels (The Brussels Morning Newspaper) – EU Commission delays groundbreaking deforestation legislation.

The European Commission announced a postponement of the enactment of the EU regulation to combat deforestation by 12 months. The regulation, which outlines due diligence obligations for companies importing raw materials and products into the internal market to ensure that they no longer contribute to deforestation, is a critical element of the European Green Deal.

How does the postponement impact the European Green Deal’s goals?

In her remarks, MEP Anna Cavazzini, Chair of the Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection and IMCO Rapporteur, expressed that the situation surrounding the law on deforestation-free supply chains is tragic. She criticized Ursula von der Leyen for delaying the key implementing provisions essential for companies, suggesting this irresponsibility contributed to the narrative for postponement. 

Cavazzini noted that the proposed delay coincides with significant forest destruction in Latin America, viewing it as an attack on the Green Deal. She emphasized the need to ensure that this postponement does not weaken the law and highlighted the responsibility of the EPP, which initially supported the law but is now calling for its delay. 

What are the environmental risks of postponing the deforestation law?

Virginijus Sinkevičius, a Greens/EFA MEP and former Commissioner responsible for the file, remarked that delaying the deforestation regulation is a significant setback in the fight against climate change. He highlighted that this delay puts 80,000 acres of forest at risk daily, contributes to 15% of global carbon emissions, undermines trust with international partners, and weakens credibility regarding climate commitments.

The consequence of negotiations on the EUDR enjoyed a considerable majority (522/44/43)  when adopted in the EU Parliament in April last year. This regulation is required to tackle deforestation worldwide and is a significant step forward in the fight against environmental destruction pushed by EU consumption.

Forests worldwide are endangered by deforestation and the consequences of climate change. They are lungs and life-support systems, sustain most terrestrial biodiversity and act as major carbon sinks. Forests also play a critical role in providing clean air, holding the water cycle and preventing soil erosion.

How much deforestation is linked to EU agricultural imports?

Approximately 80% of deforestation is currently driven by the growth of agricultural land. The EU is one of the leading importers of the resulting agricultural commodities, the second largest importer globally after China, and a recent study discovered that the European Union is responsible for 16% of deforestation linked with international trade.