Leggi l’articolo in italiano

Pietro Paganini’s latest article, published on HuffPost, focuses on the challenges of implementing the EUDR, the European regulation against deforestation, questioning an approach that risks penalizing rather than promoting the sustainable transition.

Read the full article in Italian on Huffpost >>> or a summary below. 

In recent days, a series of developments has raised doubts about the actual ability of the EUDR to come into force in an effective and widely supported way. This uncertainty is undermining the credibility of European institutions and creating costs for businesses, which now find themselves in a regulatory limbo.

The EUDR was originally scheduled to take effect on December 30, but its implementation was postponed by a year to allow companies and exporting countries time to adapt to the new European rules.

Unexpectedly, the European Commission published, almost a month ahead of the new schedule (but a year behind the original roadmap), the risk classification of countries based on deforestation, labeling them from “low” to “high” risk. This tool was supposed to guide the level of control required for importing raw materials. In reality, it is proving to be more of a reputational indicator than an operational one. Its early release sparked strong reactions from countries classified as “standard-risk”, which have criticized the lack of transparency in the criteria and suspect the assessments are more political than technical.

Meanwhile, some members of the European Parliament, backed by U.S. pressure and business lobbies, have renewed calls for a postponement. Their proposal includes the creation of a “zero-risk” category, simplified rules for SMEs, and the recognition of existing certifications.

The debate intensified during the latest AGRIFISH Council, where ministers led by Luxembourg and Austria called for greater flexibility. Commissioner Roswall defended the current approach – but the question remains: is this a genuine position or a wait-and-see stance, anticipating intervention from President von der Leyen and her chief of staff?

Calls for clearer and more concrete guidance are multiplying. It’s becoming increasingly evident that many national authorities are not prepared: some Member States, including Italy, have yet to formally adopt the regulation.

And yet, many companies have already invested in traceability and reorganized their supply chains. The palm oil sector, for instance, is now among the most advanced in terms of transparency. These concrete efforts deserve recognition, not to be undermined by chaotic and inconsistent regulation.

Protecting forests is a shared goal, but the EUDR’s implementation – at least in its current form – risks harming precisely those who should be leading the transition. It is a missed opportunity. And yes, the Commission should take responsibility for failing to create a regulation that is clear, effective, and understandable.

There is, however, a surprisingly simple way out: postpone the sanctions, give businesses time to adapt, and involve all stakeholders in the transition. Remaining in limbo helps no one. The risk? That the regulation will be abandoned altogether. That would mean the failure of six years of work – and a defeat for everyone.

Read EUDR: Our Companies Cannot Wait>>>