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world1d ago
EU countries seek to weaken deforestation law as green backpedaling continues
- EU ministers agreed to a one-year delay for the deforestation law, with longer delays for small operators and a review clause.
- The move comes as the EU hosts COP30, signaling the bloc's tension between climate ambitions and regulatory relief.
- Campaigners warn the Council's changes could gut the anti-deforestation rules designed to monitor commodity origins.
- Some governments pushed for more simplification, with Belgium, the Netherlands, and Spain reportedly not backing the mandate.
- Delara Burkhardt, a German MEP, called the agreement a 'blueprint for undermining the EUDR' and opposed it.
- The Commission had proposed December 30 implementation with some simplifications and a six-month grace period.
- The deforestation mandate is seen as a key test of the EU's Green Deal and climate governance.
- The changes shift responsibility for due diligence, potentially reducing burden on downstream operators.
- Parliamentary action is expected next week as the EU negotiates its stance on the law.
- EU governments emphasize flexibility in the mandate but risk reducing environmental protections.
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