Controversial deforestation law in EU causes division among member states

brussels - A bloc of EU member states is at odds with the European Parliament over proposed changes to the contentious deforestation law, diminishing the likelihood of an agreement.

A group of EU countries is refusing to support the European Parliament's desire to amend the controversial deforestation law, jeopardizing the chances of reaching an agreement. The European deforestation law requires importers of products such as rubber, cocoa, and coffee to prove that no trees were felled during production. In response to criticism from businesses and countries worldwide regarding unclear rules, Brussels has suggested delaying the enforcement of the law by a year. Both member states and the European Parliament back the proposal to postpone the start date beyond January 1.

However, the European Parliament is pushing for further relaxations to the law. A majority of right-wing MEPs recently approved proposals from the center-right European People's Party (EPP) to exempt small and medium-sized enterprises and countries with low deforestation risks. The European Parliament must now negotiate with the European Commission and EU member states, but the likelihood of success seems slim. Several diplomatic sources have confirmed to De Telegraaf that Germany, France, Spain, and some smaller countries, including Belgium, are opposed to changes to the deforestation law and hold enough power to block the wishes of European lawmakers.

Time is running out for lengthy negotiations: without a swift agreement, there will be no twelve-month extension for implementing the law. State Secretary Jean Rummenie warns that this uncertainty poses a 'risk,' emphasizing the need for clarity for businesses on the extended deadline.

The Dutch government has not taken a definitive stance on the issue. Rummenie acknowledges the time pressure but also sees benefits in the Parliament's proposals, particularly in reducing administrative costs for businesses and ensuring support for small farmers outside the EU. EPP MEP Sander Smit highlights the urgency of an extension while advocating for revisions to the law, expressing disappointment over the limited acceptance of proposals to reduce bureaucratic burdens.

Significant efforts are still required in socialist and liberal-led member states to implement Mario Draghi's recommendations on cutting red tape and translating them into practice.