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EU Deforestation Law Under Fire
The EU's deforestation law faces potential weakening amendments by CDU/CSU, sparking controversy over bureaucracy, environmental protection, and international relations.
German
Germany
Germany Climate ChangeEuropean UnionInternational TradeRegulationEnvironmental PolicyPolitical DebateEu Law
Eu CommissionCduCsuEvpWto
Ursula Von Der LeyenValdis DombrovskisManfred WeberCem ÖzdemirChristine Schneider
- What changes are the CDU/CSU proposing?
- The CDU/CSU's proposed amendments aim to reduce the compliance burden by limiting proof of deforestation-free production to 'first-marketers' and exempting companies from zero-risk countries. This has sparked strong opposition.
- What are the broader implications of this dispute?
- The situation highlights a broader struggle between simplifying bureaucracy and maintaining environmental regulations. The outcome will significantly impact the EU's ability to curb deforestation and its standing on the international stage.
- What is the main issue surrounding the EU's deforestation law?
- The EU's deforestation law, initially planned for 2025, faces a potential delay until 2026. This postponement is fueled by criticism of bureaucratic burdens, prompting the CDU/CSU to push for significant changes.
- What is the opposition's argument against the proposed changes?
- Opponents argue that the CDU/CSU changes will weaken the law, making it impossible to trace and prevent deforestation effectively. Concerns include violating WTO rules and jeopardizing international cooperation on climate change.
- What is the political dynamic within the European Parliament regarding these amendments?
- The amendments' success hinges on securing sufficient votes in the European Parliament and subsequent approval from the Council of Ministers. There are concerns that the EVP might ally with far-right groups to achieve this.