🔗 Share this article European Union Deforestation Law Largely 'Gutted' Despite Initial Fanfare It was a landmark regulation that would curb the global crisis of forest loss. However, the revised version of the European Union's anti-deforestation law, previously touted as the crown jewel of the Green Deal, has been passed in a severely weakened state, leading to alarm from its initial author and environmental politicians. "The regulation was gutted," stated Hugo Schally, citing the removal of crucial requirements for downstream traders to check the origin of commodities like coffee, cocoa, beef, soy, palm oil, rubber and timber. He warned that a reduced number of responsible companies, less information collected, and less precise origin data would complicate the task of authorities. A Watered-Down Law Green party vice-president Marie Toussaint went further, describing the delays, loopholes and exemptions – including one for paper goods – as the "political dismantling" of the law. This outcome is a far cry from the demands of over 1.2 million EU citizens who supported an initiative in 2020 calling for a prohibition of goods linked to forest destruction. At its launch in 2021, the EU's climate chief Frans Timmermans trumpeted it as "the toughest legislation proposed to combat deforestation." From Ambition to Compromise The regulation's dilution is seen by critics as the European Union retreating from its environmental promises. The proposal encountered two major postponements, reportedly over technical problems, which sparked criticism. "By revisiting the legislation instead of solving a simple IT problem, the commission opened Pandora’s box," remarked the Green MEP. In its first draft, the law required companies to track goods to their exact plot of land using GPS coordinates, holding them accountable for deforestation in their supply chains with penalties and large financial penalties. "This was not red tape for its own sake," Schally explained. "These rules were the tool that ensured enforcement, created a verifiable paper trail, and stopped companies from hiding behind complex supply chains." Mounting Pressure However, the rigorous checks triggered a backlash in the EU capital from large companies, exporting nations, conservative political groups and EU logging states. Experts cite last year's EU elections as a turning point, creating a new political majority less favorable toward green regulations. "The other pressure came from major export markets like the United States," noted corporate sustainability professor, suggesting the commission gave in to some requests during negotiations. The Weakened Final Text The passed law includes key dilutions: Retailers and traders were largely freed from conducting rigorous checks. A new exemption for small operators was created. A option for more reductions was established for next spring. Only four countries – Russia, Belarus, North Korea and Myanmar – will face the strictest monitoring. "Instead of tightening rules for companies, it stripped them back," lamented the law's author. "Moving obligations upstream, it reduced accountability." Uncertainty for Companies The protracted process and revisions have also caused frustration for businesses that complied early. "We feel very annoyed because we invested significant resources into complying," said Xavier Rombouts. "We purchased systems, trained staff and established procedures... now they’re saying it may be changed. It’s a major letdown." Official Defense A commission spokesperson defended the outcome, saying: "We have listened to concerns and taken action to ensure a pragmatic and balanced application." "The revised regulation ensures stability, which is crucial for companies and competent authorities to successfully implement this vitally important law."