Priority question for written answer to the Commission by Jörgen Warborn (EPP), Jessica Polfjärd (EPP)
On 19 April 2023, Parliament approved the European Deforestation Regulation (EUDR); the main commitments entered into under it enter into force on 30 December 2024.
European firms are voicing major concerns about how to implement a piece of legislation the implementation guidelines for which have not yet been submitted by the Commission, and which also raises major question marks, given that some parts appear unworkable. At the same time, non-EU countries have criticised the unilateral nature of the deforestation regulation, which is regarded as preventing third parties from accessing the European market, thus constituting a protectionist instrument that violates WTO rules.
The regulation evidently lacks the clarity to be expected from European legislation. In view of the great uncertainty surrounding practical implementation of the EUDR, we therefore propose that the deadline be extended and, in particular, we call on the Commission, in dialogue with the firms concerned, to rework those parts of the legislation that are unworkable.
Accordingly:
Does the Commission intend to revise the parts of the legislation that are unworkable? How will the Commission support the firms involved to do the right thing and monitor compliance?
Answer given by Executive Vice-President Šefčovič on behalf of the European Commission
The Commission has proposed (1) a 12-month phasing-in period for the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) (2) to allow Member States, partner countries and private stakeholders more time to prepare.
If this extension is approved by the European Parliament and the Council, the obligations laid down therein will apply from 30 December 2025 for medium and large companies, and from 30 June 2026 for micro and small enterprises. The extra time aims to ensure a smooth and effective start.
The Commission stands behind the EUDR, which was adopted by the co-legislators with overwhelming majorities both in the European Parliament and in the Council and which is a key initiative to address the primary causes of global deforestation and forest degradation driving biodiversity loss and climate change.
The EUDR is an environmental measure which was developed in compliance with EU’s international commitments and which addresses issues of highest public concern with a vast majority of almost 1.2 million stakeholders consulted (with second largest number of responses) supporting an ambitious approach including mandatory due diligence. The proposed extension does not compromise the objectives or the substance of the regulation.
Additionally, the Commission has published a new guidance document, the third edition of the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) (3) and a Strategic Framework for International Cooperation Engagement (4).
These documents provide clarification on the application of the rules and promote a pragmatic and consistent interpretation of the regulation.
The Commission is committed to implementing the EUDR in a spirit of partnership, transparency, and open dialogue with all stakeholders and partner countries.
For more information, please see here.
For the amendments adopted by the European Parliament on 14 November 2024 on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EU) 2023/1115 as regards provisions relating to the date of application (COM(2024)0452 – C10-0119/2024 – 2024/0249(COD)), please see here.
For more information, please see here.