Do not only postpone, but make the Deforestation Law fit for purpose

The EPP Group aims to stop illegal global deforestation, but without overburdening European farmers, companies, or international trading partners with excessive red tape.

"The current Deforestation Law is a bureaucratic monster. If implemented, it risks hampering European farmers and businesses. That’s why the EPP Group has called for a delay, but postponement alone is not enough," stresses Christine Schneider MEP, the EPP Group’s lead negotiator on the deforestation legislation, ahead of next week's plenary vote on the planned postponement of the law.

To reduce administrative burdens, the EPP Group proposes changes to the current legislation, making only the company placing the product on the market responsible for proving it is deforestation-free. "Don't ask companies to prove it again and again and again throughout the whole supply chain," Schneider emphasises.

Additionally, the EPP insists that the law should not be implemented until data platforms tracking product origins are fully operational and a risk classification system is in place. The EPP Group also wants to exempt countries without deforestation. Instead of putting pressure on countries to comply with costly and burdensome requirements, the EPP Group wants to encourage them to proactively protect their forests.

The EPP Group is convinced that an updated law can be agreed upon before Christmas, if the political groups work together. "We urge everyone who is serious about cutting red tape to take this seriously. With the support of all Members of the European Parliament, we now have the chance to turn words into action; we can truly cut bureaucracy - something the European Parliament has long promised. Let’s get to work," Schneider concludes.