The EU will delay for a year and cut back a controversial law targeting global deforestation, following a backlash from member countries and right-wing lawmakers.
The European Commission, which holds executive power, bowed to pressure from the Parliament and the Council of the EU late Thursday, agreeing to put off implementation of the anti-deforestation law until December 2026 and review the rules early next year.
It’s the second time the EU has delayed the law for a year, and continues a trend of weakening and canceling EU environmental laws under pressure from business, trading partners and far-right lawmakers.
“The aim is to ensure simplification of the deforestation regulation so it can be implemented effectively and without unnecessary burdens, while keeping its environmental ambition,” said the Danish presidency of the Council in a written statement.
