By Isha - Oct 03, 2024
The European Commission has proposed a one-year extension to the anti-deforestation regulation's transition period, moving the compliance deadline to December 30, 2025, for major organizations and 2026 for micro and small businesses. This proposal has sparked differing opinions among environmental activists, EU member states, and stakeholders. While some nations support the delay to allow companies more time to adjust, opponents argue that it could lead to higher greenhouse gas emissions and deforestation. The delay is pending approval from the European Parliament and the EU Council.
iucn.nl via Google
LATEST
A major proposal to prolong the anti-deforestation regulation's (EUDR) transition period by a year was made public by the European Commission on October 2, 2024. A growing number of member states, trade partners, and other stakeholders voiced worries about their ability to comply with the new criteria, which prompted this decision. The extension, which was originally scheduled to go into effect on January 1, 2025, moves the compliance deadline to December 30, 2025, for major organizations and 2026, for micro and small businesses. The EUDR seeks to guarantee that goods used inside the EU do not exacerbate deforestation or other forms of forest degradation. It includes a variety of goods that are sourced both inside and outside of the European Union, such as soy, palm oil, coffee, cocoa, rubber, and lumber.
Environmental activists and EU member states have differing opinions on the proposed delay. Certain nations, including Austria and Czechia, have been outspoken proponents of the delay, claiming that companies require further time to adjust to the new rules. Although he agrees with the regulation's objectives, Marek VŽborný, the minister of agriculture for the Czech Republic, said that some enterprises would face difficulties as a result of its implementation. On the other hand, the delay has been condemned by environmental organizations and several European Parliament members as a setback in the fight against deforestation. Opponents contend that extending the deadline would result in higher rates of greenhouse gas emissions and deforestation. According to studies done by the EU, this delay might lead to an extra 2,300 square kilometers, or 888 square miles, of deforestation and release around 49 megatons of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. João Gonçalves from Mighty Earth expressed concerns that the EU's decision effectively gives a "green light for deforestation" for at least another year.
The European Commission has published updated guidance materials intending to elucidate important areas of the rule in tandem with the proposed extension. These documents contain methods for evaluating the risk of deforestation as well as frequently asked questions. The Commission stressed that rather than compromising the goals of the regulations, this prolongation is meant to serve as a phase-in period to guarantee proper implementation. The European Parliament and the EU Council still need to approve the idea before the discussions can be concluded in less than three months. Some parliamentarians argue that the delay is important for the EUDR's successful implementation, while others are concerned that resuming talks could compromise the law's core features. Environmentalists are especially worried about any changes that would lessen the effect of the initiative to stop global deforestation.