Earthsight, a non-profit organization known for uncovering environmental and social crimes, is urging the European Union (EU) to stand firm on implementing the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) later this year. Passed in May 2023, the law aims to curb European consumption of commodities like beef, soy, palm oil, and leather that contribute to deforestation and human rights abuses in countries like Brazil, Indonesia, and Bolivia.
The regulation, which bans the import of products linked to land deforested after 2020, has faced growing opposition. In Europe, industry associations and countries like Austria have voiced concerns about the economic impact and the burden of compliance. Despite this, Earthsight points out that many of these objections are self-serving, aimed at weakening the law rather than addressing its real objectives.
Recent evidence from Earthsight’s investigations reveals continued deforestation and illegal practices tied to EU imports. In Indonesia, deforestation is increasing due to expanding palm oil and pulpwood plantations, with Earthsight’s findings linking these activities to timber exports to Europe. In Brazil, the country’s largest meatpacker, JBS, has been found to supply beef tied to deforestation, some of which ends up in the EU market. In Bolivia, deforestation driven by soy production almost doubled between 2020 and 2023.
Earthsight highlights that deforestation remains a major global problem, contributing to climate change and human rights violations. Global demand for forest-risk commodities is projected to rise, putting further pressure on vulnerable ecosystems. Despite industry claims that deforestation is declining, Earthsight asserts that voluntary corporate pledges and sustainability certification schemes have consistently failed to stop illegal activities tied to European imports.
The organization warns that delaying the EUDR could lead to further weakening of critical provisions, such as traceability requirements for low-risk commodities. This would create loopholes that could allow deforestation-linked products to enter the European market, undermining the regulation’s effectiveness.
The push to delay the EUDR comes despite the fact that companies have had years to prepare. The law’s key requirements were evident long before its passing, and Earthsight argues that large corporations, which post billions in profits, can afford the cost of compliance. Many companies have already begun adjusting their supply chains in anticipation of the law’s enforcement, showing that delays are unnecessary.
The commentary concludes by calling on the EU to support the regulation, not weaken it. Earthsight emphasizes the importance of protecting forests, which play a critical role in stabilizing the global climate, and warns that any further delays will result in continued harm to vulnerable communities and ecosystems.
