Deforestation Law postponed, legislative changes scheduled

This evening, negotiators from the EU Member States and the Political Groups in the European Parliament finalised negotiations on the Deforestation Law.

"This is a victory; championed by the EPP Group. We successfully postponed the implementation of the Deforestation Law by one year, giving European businesses, foresters, and farmers the planning security they need while protecting them from excessive bureaucracy", said Christine Schneider MEP, the European Parliament's lead negotiator on the Deforestation Law.

But the EPP Group pushed for more than just a postponement. "The European Commission has committed itself to updating the Deforestation Law within a year. This is thanks to the EPP Group," Schneider explained. "First, data platforms tracking product origins and a risk classification system will be operational at least six months before the law takes effect. Second, from 2028, countries practising sustainable forest management and showing no deforestation will have the opportunity to be exempted from unnecessary red tape," Schneider continued.

"We ensured that the new law does what it is meant to: diminish illegal deforestation. We must not penalise those who are already managing forests sustainably. We need to help them continue doing so," concluded Schneider.

The vote in the European Parliament's Environment Committee is expected to take place this Wednesday, while the plenary session in December will confirm the agreement.