Today on July 15, the EU Agriculture Council convenes in Brussels to discuss pressing matters affecting the European agricultural sector. Austrian Agriculture Minister Norbert Totschnig is set to bring the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) back to the forefront of discussions.
Totschnig, along with representatives from Czechia, Finland, Greece, Lithuania, Poland, and Slovakia, will seek support for two key initiatives:
- A firm reconsideration of the EUDR implementation timeline, addressing serious concerns about its application.
- A comprehensive evaluation of Green Deal legislation and its cumulative impact on EU agriculture and forestry.
This move follows the last Agriculture Council meeting, where Austria gained significant backing from 19 other member states, signaling growing concerns about the regulation’s impact.
The Council’s approach could have substantial political influence on a potential EUDR revision. While the European Parliament would need to agree to an ‘urgent measure’ for any changes, strong support from the Council would mark a significant step forward in addressing these concerns.
Additionally, the meeting will feature discussions on trade-related issues in the agrifood industry. The timing of the additional trade discussion couldn’t be more appropriate. The EUDR’s compliance measures threaten the competitiveness of a number of the EU’s agrifood producers. The additional costs — on both the import and export side — will reduce the competitiveness of EU food products in third markets.
This has been highlighted in particular by confectionery manufacturers, as well as other consumer goods manufacturers, particularly in the pulp and paper sector.
More to come …