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Brussels (ANSA) – The European Parliament plenary adopted the proposal to delay the implementation of the anti-deforestation law with 371 votes in favor, 240 against, and 30 abstentions, including some modifications to the text proposed by the European People’s Party (EPP). Among these changes was the request to add a category of ‘zero-risk countries,’ which would be subject to simplified requirements.
The regulation mandates targeted checks by companies to prevent the introduction of raw materials or products derived from deforested areas into the market. On the deforestation file, the “Ursula majority” has split once again. The postponement was approved with the support of the EPP, the Conservatives, the Patriots, and the far-right Europe of Sovereign Nations group. Socialists, Greens, and the Left voted against both the two EPP amendments that altered the text and the final vote.
The liberals of Renew were divided on the final vote, though the component opposing the amendments prevailed, aligning with the Socialists. Following the vote, the S&D group called on the Commission to withdraw its proposal. “In coalition with the far right, the EPP has weakened key provisions of the EU regulation against deforestation,” the group said in a statement, expressing “deep disappointment” at what it considers a “significant step backward for the EU’s environmental commitments” (November 14).