The European Commission today presented its revised proposals for implementing the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). At the end of September, environment Commissioner Jessika Roswall had announced a possible postponement of the EUDR’s implementation, prompting calls from the European People’s Party (EPP) to use this process for broader deregulation. This has now been averted.

This law was one of the major achievements of the previous mandate, driven by the Socialists and Democrats. It aims to protect the world’s forests and ensure that Europe’s consumption no longer fuels global deforestation.

Delara Burkhardt, S&D lead negotiator on the EU deforestation regulation, said:

“Our pressure ensured that the proposal was not misused to push for deregulation. We prevented loopholes from being carved into the regulation. The proposal for a so-called zero-risk category, which would have exempted entire countries and regions from the deforestation regulation, was ultimately rejected.

“The first impression is that the environmental effectiveness of the deforestation regulation remains intact. In balancing the goals of reducing bureaucracy and maintaining high environmental standards, an acceptable compromise has been found. The core element of the regulation, namely that all commodities must be traceable back to their plot of production, remains in place.

“The renewed delay in implementation is unnecessary. However, the package as a whole has the potential to end the disputes surrounding the deforestation regulation and finally provide planning certainty for businesses. For that to happen, the EPP, who today killed two important forest management-related files, must now clearly commit to this compromise and support the implementation of the regulation once and for all.”

Note to editors:

Under the European Commission’s proposal, large and medium-sized companies must comply with the EUDR from 30 December 2025, while micro and small enterprises will follow from 30 December 2026.

The EU Deforestation Regulation, adopted in 2023, ensures that key commodities such as soy, beef, palm oil, cocoa, coffee, wood, and rubber placed on the EU market do not contribute to global deforestation or forest degradation. It is a cornerstone of the European Green Deal and a crucial step in protecting nature and biodiversity worldwide.