European Union countries on Tuesday gave their final approval to delay the bloc's anti-deforestation law by 12 months, allowing the postponement to now pass into law, the Council of the EU said in a statement.
The sign-off from governments finalises a December 2025 start date for the EU's policy to ban the import of soy, beef, coffee, palm oil and other goods linked to the destruction of forests - which had originally been designed to apply this month.
The delay to the world-first deforestation policy is a blow to the EU's green agenda, which is facing pushback from industries and some governments that say EU measures to fight climate change are too onerous.
But it offers relief to companies and EU trading partners including the United States and Brazil, which oppose the policy and warn it will upend trade as many firms struggle to comply.
The EU law, initially due to take effect from Dec. 30, 2024, will require companies and traders also placing wood, cocoa, rubber and some derived products like chocolate and furniture onto the EU market to provide proof their supply chain does not contribute to deforestation, or face fines and potentially have their products turned away.
Companies exporting commodities from Europe would face the same obligations.
Farmers in Spain stage a protest against a trade agreement between the European Union and Latin American countries, known as the EU-Mercosur deal. They worry, large imports from Latin American countries could create unfair competition within the EU.
EU officials will visit Ireland early next year to address concerns over the Mercosur trade deal. The agreement, after 25 years of negotiations, promises tariff cuts and new markets for European exports, but faces strong opposition from Irish farmers over competition and paperwork.
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The European Union and South America's Mercosur bloc have reached a historic agreement on a long-delayed free trade deal, but the pact now faces fierce opposition in Europe, particularly from France.
Azerbaijan and Türkiye's parliamentary leaders meet to discuss strengthening bilateral ties, enhancing cooperation, and advancing interparliamentary collaboration.
The Cour de Cassation, France's highest court, upheld the conviction of former President Nicolas Sarkozy for corruption and influence peddling.
EU delays anti-deforestation law to Dec 2025, easing trade concerns but sparking criticism over its green agenda setback.
The "Meet Ancient Egypt: Mummy, Life, and Death" exhibition at Beijing's 798 Art Zone showcases 123 ancient Egyptian artifacts, offering a fascinating glimpse into the rich history and spiritual practices of this ancient civilization.
Eurozone inflation has increased for the second month in a row.
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Venezuela launches underwater coral farms in a groundbreaking effort to combat climate change and restore marine ecosystems affected by global warming, acidification, and disease.
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The EU rejects calls to weaken car CO2 rules, emphasizing climate goals despite automaker pressures and EPP's push for relief on 2025 emission limits.
Azerbaijan and Türkiye's parliamentary leaders meet to discuss strengthening bilateral ties, enhancing cooperation, and advancing interparliamentary collaboration.
The Cour de Cassation, France's highest court, upheld the conviction of former President Nicolas Sarkozy for corruption and influence peddling.
EU delays anti-deforestation law to Dec 2025, easing trade concerns but sparking criticism over its green agenda setback.
The "Meet Ancient Egypt: Mummy, Life, and Death" exhibition at Beijing's 798 Art Zone showcases 123 ancient Egyptian artifacts, offering a fascinating glimpse into the rich history and spiritual practices of this ancient civilization.
Eurozone inflation has increased for the second month in a row.
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