EU Council Approves Revision to Deforestation Law Timeline

Brussels (Eurotoday) – The European Council today on 20 Nov 2024 firmly reiterated its approval of the proposed targeted amendment of the EU deforestation regulation, delaying its date of application by 12 months. 

How will the amendment impact stakeholders and supply chains?What are the main drivers of global deforestation addressed by the EU?

As reported by the EU Council, it assumes that this is the soundest way forward to ensure legal assurance for all stakeholders. This postponement will permit third countries, member states, operators, and traders to be fully equipped in their due diligence responsibilities, which is to ensure that specific commodities and products sold in the EU or exported from the EU are deforestation-free. This includes products produced from cattle, wood, cocoa, soy, palm oil, coffee, rubber, and some of their derived products.

The deforestation law has already been in force since 29 June 2023 and its conditions are to be applied from 30 December 2024. The EU Council agreed to the Commission’s proposal to delay the application date of the regulation by one year.

How will the amendment impact stakeholders and supply chains?

This measure would give lawful certainty, predictability, and adequate time for a smooth and effective implementation of the regulations, including fully establishing due diligence systems covering all relevant commodities and products. These due diligence systems include determining deforestation risks in supply chains as well as observing and reporting measures to prove adherence to EU rules.

The targeted amendment will not affect the substance of the already existing rules, which is to minimise the EU’s contribution to deforestation and forest degradation worldwide, by only allowing placing on the EU market or exporting from the EU, deforestation-free products. Deforestation-free products are products that have been produced on land not subject to deforestation or forest degradation after 31 December 2020.

What are the main drivers of global deforestation addressed by the EU?

In the next steps, the EU Council will now report to the European Parliament on this position to start negotiations. As reported by EU sources, the primary driver of global deforestation and forest degradation is the growth of agricultural land, which is connected to the production of the commodities included in the scope of the regulation. As the EU is a significant consumer of such commodities, it can reduce its contribution to global deforestation and forest degradation by making sure these products and related supply chains are ‘deforestation-free’.


Comments

7 responses to “EU Council Approves Revision to Deforestation Law Timeline”

  1. the howling swede Avatar
    the howling swede

    Ah, the EU Council has once again graced us with its divine wisdom by approving a revision to the deforestation law timeline—because who doesn’t love an extra few years of chopping down trees? It’s like saying, “Let’s take our time to save the planet, shall we? After all, the forests can wait while we perfect our coffee brewing techniques!” Cheers to the slowest race against extinction!

  2. Wiccan Thunder Avatar
    Wiccan Thunder

    Ah, the EU Council has decided to give a little wiggle room on the deforestation law timeline—because who wouldn’t want to leisurely sip their cappuccino while trees take their sweet time being chopped down? It’s like saying, “Don’t rush the pasta; let it simmer,” but in this case, the sauce might just be a bit too thin to cover the environmental mess. Bravo, EU, for prioritizing bureaucracy over the planet—truly a masterclass in procrastination!

  3. Shadow Chaser Avatar
    Shadow Chaser

    Ah, the EU Council has decided to push the timeline for the new deforestation law, because who doesn’t love a good game of bureaucratic twister? It’s like they’re saying, “Let’s save the trees, but only after we’ve had our third espresso and a chat about the weather.” Just what we needed—more time to ponder whether to prioritize the planet or our next holiday in the Alps!

  4. Tokyo Dream Avatar
    Tokyo Dream

    Ah, the EU Council has once again graced us with their timely decision-making, pushing the deforestation law timeline back like a game of bureaucratic football—classic! One can only wonder if they’re hoping the trees will magically replant themselves while enjoying a leisurely espresso in the meantime. Guess we’ll just sip our lattes and wait for Mother Nature to send a thank-you card!

  5. Admiral Tot Avatar
    Admiral Tot

    Well, isn’t that just peachy? The EU Council has decided to take their sweet time revising the deforestation law timeline—because who doesn’t love a good game of “let’s delay saving the planet”? It’s almost like they’re treating environmental protection like a fine wine, insisting it needs to breathe before getting to the good stuff. Cheers to that! 🍷

  6. delicious cupid Avatar
    delicious cupid

    Well, it seems the EU Council has decided to take their sweet time with the deforestation law timeline—because who doesn’t love a good game of “let’s drag our feet while the planet burns”? Perhaps they’re just waiting for the trees to politely ask for a meeting before they get chopped down. It’s all very *laissez-faire*, isn’t it?

  7. Fatsy Bear Avatar

    Well, isn’t that just splendid? The EU Council, in its infinite wisdom, has decided to give us all a little more time to ponder the great existential question: “How do we balance our love for avocado toast with our commitment to saving the planet?” Cheers to a timeline that’s as flexible as a yoga instructor in a Berlin café!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Last News

UK Remains Open to Chinese Tech After Halting Major Wind Project

UK Remains Open to Chinese Tech After Halting Major Wind Project

Stark, selected by Miliband to lead efforts to transition the U.K. energy system to clean power sources like solar and wind by 2030, mentioned that deals with Beijing will still be part of the green transition.
“China will be part of the future energy system. Chinese technology will be included in the future energy system,” he stated. “It’s about determining how much and in which areas we wa

Read More

Steps to Take If Your Flight Is Cancelled in Europe

Steps to Take If Your Flight Is Cancelled in Europe

At the airport, you check the departure board, only to find your flight cancelled. With no clear explanation, long queues, and uncertainty about what to do next, this scenario is all too common for travelers in Europe.
Fortunately, EU law protects your rights if your flight is cancelled. From refunds to compensation and assistance, you have options — if you know what steps to take.
Quick Guide: W

Read More

May elections: The pollster’s verdict

May elections: The pollster’s verdict

With just a week before voters in Scotland, Wales, and England cast their ballots, could we witness a major transformation in British politics?
In a special episode, Sam and Anne speak with YouGov pollster Patrick English to analyze the data and explore potential impacts on the parties.
As votes distribute across the range, who stands to gain—and is British politics heading towards a new multi-pa

Read More

Die neue Arbeiterführerin Bärbel Bas

Die neue Arbeiterführerin Bärbel Bas

Der 1. Mai ist morgen, ein bedeutender Tag für Bärbel Bas. Als Arbeitsministerin spricht sie in Duisburg vor dem DGB. Die Harmonie in der schwarz-roten Koalition ist kaum noch vorhanden. Bas distanziert sich deutlich von Kanzler Friedrich Merz, der die Rente auf eine „Basisabsicherung“ reduzieren möchte. Gordon Repinski analysiert: Ist Bas die Retterin des Sozialstaates oder steht sie einem notwe

Read More

Récupérer les superprofits de TotalEnergies : oui, mais comment ?

Récupérer les superprofits de TotalEnergies : oui, mais comment ?

Dans son analyse, l’IPP attribue la faible récolte de la taxe sur les profits pétroliers de 2022 à un périmètre d’entreprises concernées plus restreint que prévu ainsi qu’à la possibilité pour les compagnies d’imputer leurs pertes des années antérieures. L’IPP estime que “quelques dizaines d’entreprises représentant 72% des superprofits” ont été épargnées.
C’est pour cette raison que, dans l

Read More

Magyar Aims May Agreement to Unlock €10B of EU Funds for Hungary

Magyar Aims May Agreement to Unlock €10B of EU Funds for Hungary

Following a meeting, described as “highly constructive,” Magyar expressed optimism about Hungary soon receiving EU funds, emphasizing no conditions were imposed against Hungary’s national interests.
Von der Leyen shared on X about a positive exchange with Péter Magyar in Brussels, focusing on steps needed to release EU funds stalled due to corruption and rule-of-law issues. The E

Read More

Berlin Strengthens Military Ties with Washington Amid Merz-Trump Rift

Berlin Strengthens Military Ties with Washington Amid Merz-Trump Rift

A digital marketplace for freelance recruiters is sourcing new combatants for Ukraine, strengthening Vladimir Putin’s position in negotiations and causing concern among European leaders regarding the potential actions of his expanding military force.

Read More

EU Anti-Fraud Office Considers Investigation into Senior Far-Right Patriots Official

EU Anti-Fraud Office Considers Investigation into Senior Far-Right Patriots Official

Transparency International requested the EU’s anti-fraud office (OLAF) on April 24 to investigate administrative failures and recommended disciplinary action against former Belgian MEP and Secretary-General of the Patriots group, Philip Claeys, as per a letter viewed by POLITICO. Transparency International claims Claeys was accountable due to his approval of the spending.
An OLAF spokesperson conf

Read More

Horizon Europe’s SWIFTT Project Unveils Copernicus-Based Tool for EU Forest Threat Prevention

Horizon Europe’s SWIFTT Project Unveils Copernicus-Based Tool for EU Forest Threat Prevention

The SWIFTT platform enhances decision-making in addressing spruce bark beetle outbreaks, wildfires, and windthrow.

The SWIFTT platform enhances decision-making in addressing spruce bark beetle outbreaks, wildfires, and windthrow.
PARIS, FRANCE, April 15, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — SWIFTT is an advanced forest management tool utilizing Copernicus Sentinel satellite data and machine learning.

Read More

Last Year’s Heat Was Intense; Next Year Promises Greater Extremes.

Last Year’s Heat Was Intense; Next Year Promises Greater Extremes.

The year 2026 is likely to become the second-warmest on record globally, as indicated by various analyses.
In Europe, last winter was among the coldest in recent times, but temperatures have been recovering. March was the continent’s second-warmest on record.
Wednesday’s report highlighted 2025 as Europe’s worst wildfire season, regarding land burnt and the emissions from these fires.
Sea temperat

Read More