A group of 11 European Union countries is pressuring the European Commission to delay and soften the bloc’s landmark deforestation law, warning that current requirements are too burdensome for farmers and foresters, according to a document seen by Reuters.
The European Union is facing renewed calls to scale back its pioneering anti-deforestation regulation, as 11 member states—including Austria, Luxembourg, Italy, and Finland—have urged the European Commission to simplify and postpone the law’s implementation once again.
The policy, set to take effect in December 2025 after a previous delay, aims to curb the EU’s role in global deforestation by requiring companies to prove that key imports—such as soy, beef, palm oil, cocoa, and coffee—are not linked to forest destruction. Firms failing to comply could face fines of up to 4% of their EU turnover.
In a joint paper addressed to EU agriculture ministers, the governments argued that the current requirements remain “disproportionate” and “nearly impossible to implement,” especially for small-scale farmers and foresters. They proposed introducing a new “very low risk” category of countries that would be exempt from strict due diligence and customs checks.
Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Latvia, Portugal, Romania, and Slovenia also signed the paper, which will be discussed at an agriculture ministers’ meeting in Brussels on Monday.
The Commission has already watered down the regulation in response to backlash from global trade partners like Brazil and the U.S., and earlier this month announced that most countries would avoid the law’s strictest checks. A spokesperson for the Commission did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
As Armenia prepares to host the 8th European Political Community Summit and Baku gets ready for the 12th, Caucasus Now explores a critical question: are external actors truly invested in peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan?
Texas has halted new funding for construction of the U.S.-Mexico border wall, a major policy shift after four years of investment in one of Governor Greg Abbott’s flagship immigration initiatives.
Our NewsHour presenter Guy Shone examined the geopolitical ripple effects of the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran during the G7 summit, where U.S. President Donald Trump’s early exit drew worldwide attention.
Australia is set to begin negotiations on a new security and defence partnership with the European Union, while also pushing for a long-anticipated trade agreement, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced at the G7 summit.
Missiles fired from Iran were observed over several Israeli cities, including Tel Aviv, Ashkelon, and Tubas, on the fifth day of the escalating Iran-Israel conflict. Authorities have urged the public to seek shelter as air defense systems respond.
Texas has halted new funding for construction of the U.S.-Mexico border wall, a major policy shift after four years of investment in one of Governor Greg Abbott’s flagship immigration initiatives.
Australia is set to begin negotiations on a new security and defence partnership with the European Union, while also pushing for a long-anticipated trade agreement, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced at the G7 summit.
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba announced on Tuesday that Japan and the United States have not reached a comprehensive tariff agreement, with key disagreements persisting between the two economic powers.
U.S. President Donald Trump has publicly disputed the intelligence community's assessment of Iran's nuclear activities, marking a notable split between the White House and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) at a time of heightened tensions in the Middle East.
Missiles fired from Iran were observed over several Israeli cities, including Tel Aviv, Ashkelon, and Tubas, on the fifth day of the escalating Iran-Israel conflict. Authorities have urged the public to seek shelter as air defense systems respond.
Peace is no longer a dream. It is a discussion. On the streets of Baku and Yerevan, it is also a question, of trust, of foreign interests, and of who truly wants it.
Pakistan will begin its first freight train service to Russia from Lahore on June 22. The route is part of the INSTC and aims to connect Pakistan's rail network with Central Asia, establishing a new trade corridor via Iran, Turkmenistan, and Kazakhstan.
Israeli strikes have reportedly targeted areas near the residences of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian, according to the New York Times, citing local witnesses.
Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) has cancelled certain flights scheduled for 13th and 14th June amid recent escalation of situation in the Middle East and the closure of airspace in several countries for security reasons.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for June 17th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
UK Chancellor of the Exchequer, the Rt Hon Rachel Reeves, has announced a record £2.5 billion in additional funding this week to advance the development of the world’s first fusion power plant.
A historic May heat wave pushed Greenland’s ice melt to 17 times its average rate and sent Iceland’s temperatures soaring to record-breaking highs, raising urgent alarms about Arctic climate vulnerability.
Climate change could slash over 5% from Italy’s GDP by 2050 if no action is taken, according to the national budget watchdog, highlighting the urgent need for global emissions cuts.
At least seven people have died and several schoolchildren are missing after heavy rain and snow triggered flooding in South Africa’s Eastern Cape and southern regions, officials said Tuesday.
A new study warns that the emperor penguin population in Antarctica is shrinking faster than expected, with numbers falling by 22% over 15 years due to climate change and unstable sea ice.
Texas has halted new funding for construction of the U.S.-Mexico border wall, a major policy shift after four years of investment in one of Governor Greg Abbott’s flagship immigration initiatives.
Australia is set to begin negotiations on a new security and defence partnership with the European Union, while also pushing for a long-anticipated trade agreement, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced at the G7 summit.
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba announced on Tuesday that Japan and the United States have not reached a comprehensive tariff agreement, with key disagreements persisting between the two economic powers.
U.S. President Donald Trump has publicly disputed the intelligence community's assessment of Iran's nuclear activities, marking a notable split between the White House and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) at a time of heightened tensions in the Middle East.
Missiles fired from Iran were observed over several Israeli cities, including Tel Aviv, Ashkelon, and Tubas, on the fifth day of the escalating Iran-Israel conflict. Authorities have urged the public to seek shelter as air defense systems respond.
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