Postponing of the implementation of EU Deforestation Regulation was agreed by the European Council despite the call of 225 organisations
Yesterday, the proposed one-year delay in the EU’s Regulation on deforestation-free products (EUDR) has been agreed upon by the European Council.
Yesterday, the proposed one-year delay in the EU’s Regulation on deforestation-free products (EUDR) has been agreed upon by the European Council, read more here. Initially, the regulation was celebrated as a considerable achievement of the European Green Deal. It should ensure that certain commodities and products, such as wood, coffee, cocoa, soy, palm oil or rubber, have no ties to deforestation as they are exported from or sold to the EU. Thus, the regulation is constructed to tackle deforestation, forest degradation and linked human rights violations.
Framed by the EU as providing more time for the proper implementation, we insist that the delay results from businesses’ vested interests and will most likely benefit those companies who have long been benefitting from the vast environmental destruction of forests. Disappointment is especially surging as the announcement follows the joint call of 225 organisations from 42 countries, including CEEweb for Biodiversity, to reject the proposal, see more here. Given the rate of destruction and the immense detrimental effects of deforestation, the delay is a major setback for environmental protection and mocks the EU’s credibility as a forerunner in terms of dealing with climate change, biodiversity decline and human rights abuses.
Forests are of great importance to a sustainable future, their protection is imperative!