European Commission Delays EU Deforestation Regulation, Sparking Concerns for Nature and Climate

After months of speculation, the European Commission's abrupt decision on October 2 to delay the implementation of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) has caused widespread concern. Just a week before, the Commission had reassured the public that there were no plans to postpone the law, seen as a critical element of the EU's Green Deal, which aims to transition the bloc to a low-carbon economy.

However, the sudden decision to propose a one-year delay, originally scheduled for the end of December, was justified by the need to allow companies and countries more time to prepare. This U-turn has triggered frustration and fears that the EU's determination to tackle the urgent climate and nature crises may be weakening.

The EUDR, the first law of its kind, was approved in June 2023 after receiving significant public support. The regulation is designed to address the main driver of global deforestation: land clearing for agriculture. Companies wishing to sell products such as cattle, wood, cocoa, soy, palm oil, coffee, and rubber in the EU market must prove that they are deforestation-free.

While the law was initially lauded, opposition has grown in recent months. Companies and countries that have already invested in preparing for the December 30 deadline, including major cocoa producers like Ghana and Cote d'Ivoire and major chocolate companies, have voiced strong support for the EUDR. Indigenous groups and environmental NGOs also back the law, recognizing its potential to not only halt deforestation but also protect Indigenous and local communities' rights.

Nevertheless, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen succumbed to industry and political pressure, resulting in the delay. The immediate impact on the world's forests is alarming. Earthsight, an investigative NGO, estimates that the 12-month postponement will lead to the destruction of 2,300 km² of forest, an area nearly the size of Luxembourg. This deforestation will release carbon emissions equivalent to those from 18 million cars annually.

The delay has emboldened those hoping to weaken or even abandon the EUDR. But the EU itself must take responsibility for some of the setbacks. First, the Commission was slow to release crucial compliance guidelines, which created uncertainty for companies. Secondly, the EU has not sufficiently engaged with the countries most affected by the regulation.

For the EUDR to be successful, the EU must change its approach and work more closely with its trading partners, as well as local forest communities and small-scale farmers. Ensuring these stakeholders are supported is vital to prevent companies from excluding small farmers from their supply chains due to the law's requirements.

EU member states and the European Parliament must now oppose the delay and protect this pioneering regulation. With wildfires raging across the Amazon and other parts of South America, the need for decisive action has never been more urgent.