In a move that has sparked criticism, the European Commission has proposed a one-year delay to its landmark law to combat deforestation.
The law, one of the most ambitious environmental regulations globally, would prohibit the sale of deforestation-linked commodities, including cocoa, coffee, and palm oil, in the EU.
It also requires companies to ensure their products are not linked to deforested land post-2020 through satellite monitoring.
Virginijus Sinkevičius, former EU environment commissioner, condemned the delay, arguing that it risks undoing progress in the fight against climate change.
He stated that postponing the law could put 80,000 acres of forest at risk daily and fuel 15% of global carbon emissions. Sinkevičius also warned that the delay would damage the EU’s climate-issue credibility.
The proposed postponement gives businesses more time to comply but raises concerns over climate action.The proposed delay, which follows intense lobbying from governments and businesses worldwide, must be approved by EU ministers and Parliament to take effect.
Countries such as Brazil, Australia, and Indonesia have voiced concerns, arguing the law could harm small farmers and penalize exports to Europe. The Commission justifies the delay, citing the need to allow operators time to adjust to the new rules.
Environmental groups, however, argue that the delay undermines the European Green Deal and delays critical action on deforestation.
Anke Schulmeister-Oldenhove of WWF criticized the decision, stating it gives a “green light” for deforestation to continue.
The proposal also has support within the European People’s Party, which claims the original timeline would lead to “chaos” due to unclear application conditions.
If approved, the law will be enforced by December 2025 for large companies and June 2026 for smaller enterprises.