The S&D Group is deeply concerned by the European Commission’s recent proposal to delay the implementation of the European Union Deforestation Regulation by twelve months. While the Commission insists that the delay will not challenge the law’s objectives or its substance, this move introduces a risk of reopening the legislation – an unnecessary and dangerous course of action.

Christophe Clergeau, S&D co-vice-president for the Green Deal, said:

“The S&D Group strongly condemns the Commission’s mismanagement of the EU deforestation law implementation process. This delay could have been avoided had President Von der Leyen issued the necessary guidelines for affected businesses and countries in a timely manner.

“The S&D Group will oppose any attempt to reopen or weaken the substance of the EU deforestation law. The S&Ds do not expect the Commission to ask for a delay but to do its job and propose a concrete, effective and credible action plan to implement the legislation.”

Kathleen Van Brempt, S&D vice-president for international trade, said:

“The Green Deal and its legislative framework must remain intact. We will stand firmly against any efforts by the conservative European People’s Party or other parties to dilute essential green legislation.

“The prolonged inaction of the Commission has caused significant uncertainty for stakeholders and created an unfair competitive environment for businesses that have made efforts to comply with the regulation. The S&D Group is committed to ensuring that the EU remains a global leader in sustainable development, and we will continue to fight for strong and effective environmental regulations.”