18 EU Nations Demand Simplification of Deforestation Law
EU Countries Push for Simplification of Deforestation Law
Eighteen European Union countries have expressed concerns over the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), urging the European Commission to initiate a process of “simplification” and potentially delay its implementation. The request was outlined in a letter, which was shared with Euronews, highlighting the need for coordinated action across member states.
The letter, signed by agriculture ministers from Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Sweden, emphasized the importance of integrating the Deforestation Regulation into the Commission’s broader simplification initiatives. This would ensure that the regulation is implemented effectively and consistently throughout the EU.
Over the past few weeks, the European Commission has introduced several simplification packages aimed at revising legislation passed during the first term of Ursula von der Leyen’s leadership. These packages included updates to the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive, as well as modifications to parts of the Common Agricultural Policy and defense-related regulations.
In the letter, the signatory countries also suggested that it might be prudent to further delay the regulation’s application date while the Commission works on its simplification proposals. A spokesperson for the European Commission acknowledged receiving the letter but stated that they had not yet located it. However, they noted that significant efforts have already been made to simplify the regulation, with ongoing work continuing.
Understanding the EU Deforestation Regulation
The EUDR is a key piece of legislation designed to reduce the EU’s contribution to global deforestation. It came into effect in June 2023 and categorizes countries based on their risk of deforestation related to the production of seven key commodities: cattle, cocoa, coffee, oil palm, rubber, soya, and wood.
Following pressure from member states, the European Commission delayed the regulation’s implementation. Large and medium-sized companies will now have until 30 December 2025 to comply, while micro and small businesses will have until 30 June 2026.
The signatory countries argue that the obligations imposed by the regulation are overly burdensome, particularly for those in regions with minimal or no deforestation risk. They claim that the requirements are disproportionate to the regulation’s goal of preventing deforestation and could lead to increased costs for both businesses and governments.
Furthermore, they warn that the rules may cause raw material and production costs to rise, potentially prompting producers to move operations outside the EU.
Criticism from Civil Society
Civil society organizations have criticized some EU lawmakers, including both member states and Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), for attempting to weaken the legislation. Hannah Mowat, campaigns coordinator at Fern, highlighted a disconnect between political and technical levels. She pointed out that competent authorities in many EU countries, including some that signed the letter, are prepared to implement the law.
Mowat also noted that the letter undermines the concept of “forest degradation,” a growing issue in Europe. She explained that while the letter claims European tree cover is increasing, it overlooks the fact that Europe’s forests are becoming more degraded. Tree farms are not equivalent to natural forests, and large monoculture plantations in countries like Germany and Austria have collapsed due to disease, drought, and overexploitation.
The EUDR, according to Mowat, would bring much-needed scrutiny to the monoculture model by requiring that forest products be legally produced and not contribute to forest degradation both within and outside the EU.
Anke Schulmeister-Oldenhove, manager on forests at WWF Europe, echoed similar concerns. She stated that the proposal is not a simplification but rather a complication for all involved parties, including companies facing legal ambiguity, delays in implementation, and additional compliance burdens.
She added that while ministers pay lip service to stopping deforestation, they are actually undermining one of the EU’s flagship environmental laws. This approach turns a blind eye to rising deforestation rates globally and the impacts of climate change within the EU.