Today’s decision by Member State ambassadors to back the European Commission's proposal for a 12-month delay in the application of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) is a deeply disappointing step backward, undermining one of the key achievements of the European Green Deal.

This delay effectively allows another year of deforestation driven by EU consumption, putting forests, biodiversity, and the climate at further risk, and it casts serious doubt on the Commission President’s commitment to delivering on the EU’s environmental promises.

"With this decision, Member States explicitly condone 12 more months of forest destruction for European consumption. Not only do they disregard the democratic decisions already made and the 1.2 million Europeans who have called to put a stop to deforestation, but they also betray the companies that have invested heavily to comply with the regulations, and the competitive fairness this Commission claims to uphold. Is this really the way to support responsible businesses?" said Anke Schulmeister-Oldenhove, Manager, Forests, at WWF European Policy Office.

WWF urges the European Parliament to reject the Commission's proposal for a delay, and to act in the interests of long-term sustainability rather than prioritising short-term business pressures. It is essential for the EU to provide a clear and predictable regulatory environment to encourage continued investment in sustainable practices.

Deforestation

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Member States agree to 12 months more deforestation

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