EU countries have backed a proposal to stop the clock on deforestation rules for an additional year and to include a clause that would allow the legislation to be reopened for further changes by April next year.
The move paves the way for a major rework of the landmark EU deforestation regulation (EUDR), which bans the sale of products such as cocoa, livestock, coffee, palm oil, wood, and rubber if they are linked to deforestation on the EU market.
A majority of countries endorsed a text during a round of talks on Wednesday, based on a German paper circulated last week and a second proposal from Denmark. Only Belgium, the Netherlands, and Spain did not vote in favour of the proposal, three diplomatic sources told Euractiv.
France, a long-time defender of the EUDR, voted in favour of the German position, despite having voiced concerns during a meeting last week.
The most significant change is the introduction of a simplification review clause requiring the Commission to “carry out a simplification review” of the regulation and present a report by 30 April 2026, which could, “where appropriate,” be accompanied by a legislative proposal.
Under the proposal, downstream operators would no longer be required to submit their own due diligence statement proving that no deforestation occurred in producing the goods. The obligation would fall exclusively on the operators placing the product on the market.
Downstream companies would instead have to keep and pass on the reference number of the initial statement.
The Council and the European Parliament will have to seal an agreement on the text by 15 December.
Parliament’s lead negotiator Christine Schneider (EPP) has prepared a set of amendments dated 19 November, seen by Euractiv, calling for a two-year delay instead of one. However, these amendments could still be adjusted to align with the Council’s position, parliamentary sources said.
The Parliament has until Friday to table amendments, the source added, as the vote will take place at next week’s plenary.
(adm, aw)