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Brussels (ANSA) – The plenary of the European Parliament adopted with 371 votes in favor, 240 against and 30 abstentions the proposal to postpone the implementation of the law against deforestation, with some amendments to the text proposed by the group of the European People’s Party (EPP) including the request to add a category of ‘zero-risk countries’ to guarantee simplified requirements.
The regulation requires companies to carry out targeted checks to avoid placing raw materials or products from deforested areas on the market. On the deforestation dossier, the ‘Ursula majority’ was once again split. The postponement was indeed passed with the approval of the Conservatives, the Patriots, and the far-right of the Europe of Sovereign Nations. Socialists, Greens, and the Left voted against both the two EPP amendments that modify the text and the final scrutiny.
The liberals of Renew were split on the final vote, while on the amendments prevailed the opposing component, thus in line with the Socialists. After the vote, the S&D group asked the Commission to withdraw its proposal. « In coalition with the extreme right, the EPP has weakened the key provisions of the EU regulation against deforestation », wrote the group in a statement, expressing « deep disappointment » for what it considers a « significant step back for the EU’s environmental commitments » (November 14).