Why the EU is forcing businesses to tackle deforestation

Proposed EU legislation would ban commodities linked to deforestation from entering the trading bloc. While it’s been widely welcomed, critics point to weak spots

New EU legislation marks a global first in the battle against deforestation, targeting all aspects of the problem, not just illegal examples. The proposed law has been widely welcome by campaigners, though some wonder if it goes far enough.  

Tackling deforestation is a central pillar of the EU’s plan to tackle the climate crisis. In November, the European Commission (EC) proposed draft legislation that would ban all beef, palm oil, cocoa, coffee, soy and wood products that are linked to deforestation – and those derived from them – from entering the trading bloc.

If supported by the European Parliament and the Council of the EU, it could become law by the end of 2022 or early 2023. It’s important because it would cover all deforestation, not just that deemed illegal in the country of origin, as was the case in the UK’s recent Environment Bill.