EU Parliament Delays Vote on Anti-Deforestation Legislation

Brussels – The EU Parliament approved a delay to the enactment of a law prohibiting the import of commodities linked to deforestation and adopted several revisions to weaken the regulation itself.

As reported by the Press of the European Parliament, on 14 November 2024, the EU Parliament approved the postponement of the law following concerns raised by EU member states, non-EU countries, traders, and operators. These groups pointed out that they would not be able to fully comply with the rules if implemented at the end of 2024. The EU Commission proposed delaying the application of the deforestation regulation by one year.

According to the EU Parliament, large operators and vendors would need to respect the commitments outlined in this law starting from 30 December 2025, while micro- and small enterprises would have until 30 June 2026. This additional time aims to assist operators worldwide in implementing the rules smoothly from the beginning without compromising the objectives of the law.

What are the implications of categorizing countries as “no risk”?

The Parliament also accepted other amendments proposed by political groups, including the creation of a new category of nations deemed to pose “no risk” of deforestation. This is in addition to the existing categories of “low”, “standard”, and “high” risk. Countries classified as “no risk”—those experiencing stable or improving forest area development—would face much less stringent requirements as the risk of deforestation in these areas is negligible or non-existent.

Will the delay in deforestation law undermine environmental goals?

Research indicates that in 2023, the world lost around 37,000 square kilometres of tropical forest—an area nearly equivalent to the size of Switzerland. “We are confronting a global emergency,” stated MEP Anna Cavazzini. “I find it simply irresponsible to delay this law by another year in this situation,” she emphasised ahead of the European Parliament’s decision.

The 12-month postponement could lead to an additional 2,300 square kilometres of forest loss globally, according to EU studies. Cavazzini warned that the delay would open Pandora’s box, giving room to further dilute the content of the law. “With this postponement, a new legislative proposal essentially enters the process, which means amendments can be introduced. And there are many actors who would prefer to either scrap or weaken the law.”