MEPs voted to delay the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) just hours before global experts criticised UN climate talks as “no longer fit for purpose”. This was sparked following comments made at COP29 in Azerbaijan by host country president Ilham Aliyev, who said gas and oil were a “gift from God”.
EUDR was to be enforced at the end of this year, intended to ensure commodities sold in the EU originated from non-deforested land.
Read more: Are Unilever, Nestlé, Mars, Mondelēz & Danone ready for EUDR?
Segments of industry, however, hit back at the lack of clarity within the regulation, along with the upcoming implementation deadline of 30 December 2024.
The European Commission remained quiet on the possibility of a delay for months, despite outcry from the sector for support in its implementation, including clarity and guidance about the regulation.
It eventually recommended a delay, which was approved by the European Council in October and then passed through a European Parliament vote yesterday.
EUDR delay negatives
However, the vote to delay has been met with venom by MEPs, as well as environmental organisations globally and other green-focused groups. As has the new ‘low risk’ category for countries with stable or growing forests.
“Very sad spectacle in the EP on EUDR just now,” said German MEP Bernd Lange on social platform X.
“Right before its application, groups on [the] right side try to hollow out legislation and got a majority. What about the EU’s credibility as a legislator? What about legal uncertainty for companies? This is not over yet.”
Imported wood from China was now regarded less risky than imported from Nordic countries, argued Slovakia MEP Michal, Wiezik.
“No risk category for China, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Russia waters down the effectivity of EUDR and the credibility of EP,” he wrote on X.
“Regarding deforestation, there is virtualy [sic] no ‘no risk’ country in the world and EU EPP and far right just invented a bunch of them, changing dramaticaly [sic] the content of EUDR,” continued Wiezik.
EUDR delay was a good step
Environmental charity, Earthsight likened the decision to taking one step forward and three steps back.
“The EU Deforestation Law is one of the biggest achievements of the EU Green Deal,” said environmental charity Greenpeace. “The EPP Group is trying to critically weaken and delay it.”
However, many groups and organisations welcomed the extension, including trade organisation for southern and eastern Africa, SEATINI Uganda, which said: “This extension allows businesses more time to meet new diligence requirements on deforestation in supply chains.”
The organisation also celebrated the addition of the new ‘low risk’ category, saying it would allow products coming from certain countries to face significantly less stringent requirements.
“This is really good news for especially developing countries, it is an opportunity to fast track and clean up our coffee systems in preparation for full compliance,” said communications expert Owere Hannington, also on X.
“It is also important to support countries with funding to execute EUDR requirements,” Hannington urged.
