Many companies, particularly in agriculture and forestry, are still struggling with the implementation of traceability systems that can prove their products were not produced from deforested rainforest areas. This raises concerns about practical feasibility, especially within the agricultural sector, and raises questions about the impact on international trade.
Özdemir made his call during the monthly meeting of agriculture ministers from the 27 EU countries. He reiterated his earlier comparison of this deforestation law with the (now canceled) SUR pesticide law, also an important part of the Green Deal of former Dutch Commissioner Frans Timmermans. According to Özdemir (Greens), those proposals were not pragmatic enough.
Earlier, Agriculture Commissioner Janusz Wojciechowski had already said that Brussels wants to stick to the implementation date. Many EU countries say the not-yet-tested and faltering checks show that the new law will cause a lot of hassle. In the European Parliament, the Christian Democratic EPP group is now also trying to have the proposal postponed in order to make substantial amendments. Other parties in Strasbourg (so far) disagree.
Environmental organizations have reacted sharply to the call from Germany and other EU countries. They point out that further delay could have disastrous consequences for the environment, given the urgent need to combat global deforestation. They urge the European Commission not to be influenced by economic and political pressure and that the EU must continue to play a leading role in the fight against deforestation.
Although the European Commission insists on the main implementation date, behind the scenes work is underway on possible solutions. Ursula von der Leyen has indicated she is open to pragmatic proposals but that the primary goal – stopping deforestation – must not be lost sight of. The issue falls to Commission President Von der Leyen because the current Agriculture Commissioner Wojciechowski is stepping down, but his successor (Luxembourg’s Christophe Hansen) has not yet been formally appointed.
The EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) is designed to prevent products such as timber, soy, palm oil, coffee, and rubber from deforested areas from entering the European market. This applies not only to imports from non-EU countries but also (due to the principle of equal treatment) to import and export between EU countries themselves.