Today, the European Parliament, Commission, and Council united during final negotiations to defeat right-wing attempts to weaken the landmark EU Deforestation Law. 

The Socialists and Democrats played a pivotal role in securing this outcome. They accepted a pragmatic European Commission proposal to delay the law’s implementation by one year, and fought to ensure its substance remained intact despite efforts by the European People’s Party (EPP) and far-right factions to considerably water it down. 

The compromise reached guarantees that the law will remain a powerful tool to block deforestation-linked products from entering the EU market, while giving businesses and regulators more time to adapt. 

Delara Burkhardt, S&D negotiator on the law, said:

“Today, we managed to put an end to the embarrassing spectacle orchestrated by the EPP Group and the stalemate they caused for businesses. The behaviour of the EPP Group was irresponsible. With their political games, they created uncertainty for businesses and damaged the reputation of the European Parliament as a serious negotiating partner. Instead of seeking a broad majority in the centre, the EPP Group preferred the flirt with the far right, even though it was clear all along that their half-baked amendment proposals had no chance of success with the Council and the Commission. From the start, we, Social Democrats, proposed a solution that is now reflected in the final outcomes; namely to modestly postpone the Deforestation Regulation by one year and to demand a commitment from the European Commission on further support measures for businesses. This will give companies sufficient additional time and assistance to prepare for the implementation of the regulation.”

Notes to Editors:

The backlash, led by the EPP and far-right groups, had notably pushed for a controversial ‘zero-risk’ classification system. This system would have created an unfair double standard by dividing EU member states into different risk categories, leading to uneven enforcement and undermining the law’s effectiveness. Negotiators firmly rejected this approach, safeguarding the EU’s commitment to a fair and effective fight against deforestation. 

The EU Deforestation Law sets a global benchmark for sustainable trade. It requires companies to ensure their products are deforestation-free before entering the EU market, reinforcing the EU’s leadership in addressing climate change and biodiversity loss. By standing firm today, the EU reaffirms its role as a global leader in implementing its international environmental commitments.