The EU’s Deforestation Law: Why the delay matters

Where do the products we consume in Europe really come from? Alarmingly, studies reveal that around 10% of EU consumption is linked to global deforestation, particularly in industries like palm oil and soy production. As we face the urgent threats of climate change and biodiversity loss, this issue cannot be ignored. In response, the European Union introduced the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), which came into force on June 29, 2023.

What is the EUDR?

This landmark regulation is a significant step toward reducing global deforestation. The EU is addressing its responsibility as a major contributor to deforestation through the consumption of products like cattle, wood, cocoa, soy, palm oil, coffee, rubber, and their derivatives such as leather, chocolate, tyres, and furniture.

The EUDR seeks to ensure that these products, traded and consumed within the EU and globally, no longer contribute to deforestation and forest degradation. Companies dealing in these products are now required to perform due diligence, ensuring that the goods they sell in, or export from the EU are not sourced from land deforested or degraded after December 31, 2020.

However, despite the law’s importance in combating deforestation, the European Union recently announced a 12-month delay in its full implementation, which has drawn significant criticism from civil society. Originally set to take effect on December 30, 2024, the delay responds to concerns raised by international trading partners and industries, particularly during the UN General Assembly in New York.

What led to the delay?

Pressure from international trade partners and industries, especially those in countries like Indonesia and Malaysia – which produce 85% of the world’s palm oil – argue that the regulation is discriminatory and disproportionately affects small-scale farmers. Many smallholders lack the resources to comply with the EU’s new due diligence requirements. Critics note that the EU barely consulted external stakeholders before adopting the EUDR.

Yet, there is strong support for the EUDR among small-scale farmers in countries like Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire. A coalition of over 120 civil society organizations and farmers’ groups representing more than 700,000 cocoa producers has backed the regulation. They see it as an opportunity to improve their livelihoods and promote sustainable supply chains. This support emphasises that, with adequate resources, small-scale farmers can meet the required standards, highlighting the importance of solidarity and EU assistance.

Why is the delay so serious?

Forests are vital carbon sinks, absorbing large amounts of CO₂ from the atmosphere. Current deforestation levels are dangerously high, threatening forests’ potential to act as carbon sinks. Every month of inaction allows for more forest destruction, worsening the climate crisis, accelerating the extinction of species dependent on these ecosystems, and violating Indigenous peoples’ rights.

For example, the Malaysian state of Sarawak is at high risk of being cleared for timber and oil palm plantations supplying international markets, with the EU being the third-largest destination for Malaysian palm oil exports.

The EUDR is essential not only to address environmental degradation but also to combat human rights and labor violations often associated with deforestation. The delay also disregards the efforts of companies and EU trading partners who have invested resources to comply with the EUDR on time. Many of these companies are striving to adopt sustainable practices, and the postponement undermines their initiatives. The delay also fails to protect vulnerable communities in the Global South who rely on threatened ecosystems for their livelihoods.

The EU’s global environmental commitments are also at stake. This isn’t the first time critical climate regulations have faced delays. The Fit for 55 climate package, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030, and other key pieces of the European Green Deal have also encountered setbacks. Such delays raise doubts about the EU’s ability to achieve its long-term climate goals, threatening transparency and accountability.

What are the next steps?

The responsibility now lies with the European Parliament and the Council of Ministers to navigate international tensions and finalise the regulation’s implementation by 2025 through a formal vote. Further negotiations will likely involve compromises with trading partners and domestic industries, but it is crucial that the EUDR’s core environmental objectives remain intact.

There is also a crucial window of opportunity to support Least Developed Countries (LDCs) in the transition to sustainable supply chains. To prevent these countries from being left behind, the EU should increase financial and technical assistance, enabling LDCs to develop the necessary infrastructure and capacity to comply with the regulation, with a focus on supporting smallholder farmers. Most importantly, the EU must engage in continuous dialogue with LDC governments and stakeholders to address challenges and ensure a smooth, equitable transition.

What can you do?

Ensuring that the EUDR goes into full effect without further delay is essential to maintaining momentum in the fight against deforestation. As young citizens, we must ensure the EU remains committed to its environmental responsibilities. Here are some actions you can take:

• 〇 Contact your Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) and urge them to prioritise the swift implementation of the EUDR.
• 〇 Support environmental campaigns and create or sign petitions.
• 〇 Learn more about this issue
• 〇 Raise awareness about the importance of deforestation laws, sharing information with others to keep the pressure on decision-makers.

The time for action is now. Together, we can demand a future that protects both the environment and people.