The European Parliament's decision to delay the ban deforestation-related products was met with criticism from Belgium's outgoing Federal Minister for Environment and Climate, Zakia Khattabi (Ecolo).
The measures were set to enter into effect in December 2024, but following objections from some Member States and traders, the Commission proposed delaying it by a year. Yesterday, MEPs approved the amendment, giving companies a longer time to comply with the rules.
In a press release, Khabattabi expressed her "concern" and "anger" at the vote, remarking that postponing the law would weaken its effect, and accusing the Christian Democrats, Liberals, and the far-right of compromising "the well-being of our societies."
Between 1990 and 2020, it is estimated that 420 million hectares of forest were converted for agricultural use, according to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization. Consumption within the EU is estimated to represent around 10% of the global deforestation data.
"Decisions that determine the future of humanity cannot be postponed. This vote is an irresponsible act that runs completely counter to the Council's position," Khattabi concluded.
The deforestation regulation was first adopted by the Parliament in April 2023 and it aims to target the impact of climate change and biodiversity loss through the prevention of the consumption of deforestation related products in the EU.
