Member States' block on the Deforestation Law is irresponsible!

Ambassadors from the Member States, led by Germany, France, and Spain, have rejected the changes to the Deforestation Law adopted last week by the European Parliament under the leadership of the EPP Group.

"The behaviour of these Member States is irresponsible! They are obstructing urgently needed changes to the Deforestation Law that could stop illegal global deforestation and protect European companies, foresters and farmers against unreasonable bureaucracy," commented Christine Schneider MEP, the European Parliament's lead negotiator on the Deforestation Law.

"The law must be both effective and practical. We must extend the implementation deadline by a year and introduce changes to provide companies with the planning security they need. We must ensure that these changes are adopted before the end of the year," she added.

For the EPP Group, a mere postponement is not enough. "The structural problems of the legislation remain, particularly the bureaucratic burdens and documentation requirements that overwhelm small and medium-sized enterprises. These businesses often face insurmountable challenges even though they play no role in global deforestation. The current law punishes those who already practice sustainable forestry while failing to address real issues – such as illegal deforestation," Schneider says.

"If Member States continue to block progress and refuse to compromise, they risk disadvantaging European businesses, foresters, and farmers, who urgently need clear and practicable guidelines. There is a significant political risk in talking only on simplification and competitiveness without taking concrete steps to improve the legislation. This creates fertile ground for all extremist forces in Europe to thrive," Schneider concluded.