On December 30, the EUDR — the European regulation against deforestation — will officially enter into force. Yet, just as a year ago, uncertainty still prevails. Some are pushing for another delay, while others are even calling for the regulation to be watered down or scrapped all altogether.

The Dutch government seems to be the only one in Europe to have taken concrete steps, launching the so-called “dry runs” not only to comply with EU rules but also to support operators and attract new ones, while other countries remain on hold. These tests revealed both a strong willingness to comply and some encouraging results, but they also highlighted a clear fact: no operator is fully compliant, and once the regulation comes into force, all would be liable to sanctions.

The reasons are clear. The regulation affects extremely complex global supply chains, where collecting and verifying data along the entire chain is anything but simple. Moreover, not all operators fully understand the due diligence obligations, especially regarding data validation and the definition of “consignment.” The tests confirm what we have argued from the start: such a complex regulation requires a long trial phase. This is not about a lack of willingness from operators, but about objective difficulties that can only be overcome with time, investment, and good faith.

That is why the proposal we put forward to the European Commission last year — then ignored — has now become urgent. The EUDR must enter into force on December 30, without further postponements. But sanctions should be suspended for at least 24 months, allowing companies to gradually adapt, test solutions, and reduce errors without the risk of penalties. Such a transition period would also benefit national authorities, which currently lack the tools to ensure effective checks and cannot realistically sanction operators facing obvious difficulties.

Italy, by contrast, remains at a standstill, while other countries are moving forward to attract trade and investment. The longer we wait, the more international operators will choose other ports, with direct consequences for our economy and for consumers, who are already paying the price of uncertainty through higher costs.

The path forward is clear: launch the EUDR on schedule, but suspend sanctions for two years. Only then can this ambitious regulation turn into a concrete success, rather than turning into an empty promise or, worse, a setback for European competitiveness and for Italy.

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