US Lobbyists Attempt to Undermine EU Deforestation Law

• •US lobbyists held over 350 meetings to influence the EU Deforestation Regulation.
• •The EUDR aims to ban imports of commodities linked to deforestation, effective December 2026.
• •Lobbying efforts have reportedly weakened the law's original provisions.

A report by environmental watchdog Mighty Earth reveals that US corporate lobbyists, including major firms like Cargill and Bunge, engaged in over 350 meetings to weaken the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) over two years. The EUDR, which bans imports of commodities linked to deforestation, is set to take effect in December 2026. US representatives argue their concerns are legitimate, while Mighty Earth claims the lobbying efforts have significantly diluted the law's original intent. The US has been classified as 'low risk' for deforestation, which has raised concerns among European lawmakers. The law's implementation has already been delayed twice since its proposal in 2003, and its effectiveness has been questioned by some of its initial supporters.