In an exclusive interview with Euronews, Virginijus Sinkevičius, the outgoing European Commissioner for Environment, Ocean and Fisheries, expressed deep concerns over the shifting stance on the EU’s landmark deforestation law. He described the recent changes in opinion on the legislation as “very difficult” to comprehend.
Enacted two years ago, the European Union’s groundbreaking deforestation regulation is set to come into effect in January. The law aims to prohibit the import of products linked to deforestation, including coffee, soy, timber, and cocoa. It mandates that suppliers must prove their goods are not sourced from areas recently cleared of forests for agriculture or other uses.
The regulation has garnered significant support from environmental organizations and progressive lawmakers. However, it has also faced considerable opposition from various governments, trading partners, and conservative Members of the European Parliament (MEPs). Critics argue that the law could disrupt supply chains, lead to higher prices, and impose additional administrative burdens on businesses.
Despite the controversy, the European Commission remains firm on the law’s implementation deadline. This ongoing debate raises pressing questions about the future of the EU’s Green Deal and whether conservative governments will continue to challenge its associated regulations.
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