Impending EU deforestation regulation hits some tricky internal politics
With the 30 December deadline fast approaching and still no sign of the promised guidance from the European Commission, the implementation of the European Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) has become more uncertain. Joining a chorus of calls for it to be postponed, two leading centre-right MEPs have described the legislation as a 'bureaucratic monster' which could seriously disrupt EU trade.
Meanwhile, a Socialist and Democrat group are urging the EC to expedite the guidance (promised for October) and not delay implementation. They claim that progress is 'well advanced'. On balance the anecdotal message seems to be that not enough countries are sufficiently prepared for the December deadline, including the UK. BMPA, through its European counterparts, continues to push for clarification on whether the new regulation will go ahead on time and we'll keep you updated on any developments.