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EU Postpones Deforestation Regulation Amidst Political Shifts
The European Parliament postponed the EU's deforestation regulation by one year to allow businesses more time to comply, but this decision revealed new political alliances between the EPP and far-right groups.
Greek
Greece
PoliticsClimate ChangeEuropean UnionEnvironmentRegulationDeforestation
European ParliamentEuropean CommissionEuropean People's Party (Epp)Conservatives And Reformists (Ecr)Wwf
- What was the voting outcome on the postponement of the regulation?
- The postponement was approved with 371 votes in favor, 240 against, and 30 abstentions. The European Commission proposed the delay in response to concerns that the original deadline of late 2024 was unrealistic for full compliance.
- What is the significance of the political alliances formed during this vote?
- The vote saw the European People's Party (EPP) relying on support from far-right groups, a coalition dubbed the "Venezuela majority", due to their joint support of awarding the Sakharov Prize to Venezuelan opposition leaders. This alliance raises concerns about the future direction of environmental regulations and the new Commission.
- What amendments were approved, and what is the process for their implementation?
- The Parliament also approved amendments, including a new "zero-risk" category for countries with stable or increasing forest areas, requiring less stringent requirements. These amendments must be approved by both the Council and Parliament before becoming effective; the Commission can still reject them.
- What is the purpose of the deforestation regulation, and what are its key provisions?
- The regulation aims to combat climate change and biodiversity loss by preventing deforestation linked to the consumption of products such as beef, cocoa, coffee, palm oil, and soy within the EU. Large companies will have until December 30, 2025 to comply, while small and very small businesses have until June 30, 2026.
- What decision did the European Parliament make regarding the deforestation regulation?
- The European Parliament approved a one-year postponement of the deforestation regulation, aiming to allow companies to comply with EU rules ensuring products sold within the EU don't originate from deforested areas. This decision followed concerns raised by member states, third countries, and businesses about meeting the initial deadline.