‘We Do Not Have Time’: Interview with MEP Delara Burkhardt on the EUDR’s Second Delay

Why It Matters

Repeated postponements risk eroding EU credibility on climate action and threaten costly compliance investments, potentially allowing continued deforestation linked to European consumption.

Key Takeaways

• EUDR delayed twice, now uncertain implementation
• Opposition from palm oil, rubber, US, SE Asian exporters
• Compliant companies risk sunk investments due to postponements
• Chocolate industry backs EUDR for transparent supply chains
• Right‑wing shift weakens EU climate policy ambition

Pulse Analysis

The European Union Deforestation‑free Regulation was hailed as a bold step to curb global forest loss by holding importers accountable for commodities such as cocoa, coffee, palm oil, and rubber. By mandating geolocation data and traceability, the EUDR aims to create a level playing field for businesses that already invest in sustainable sourcing while closing loopholes that enable illegal clear‑cutting. However, the regulation’s effectiveness hinges on timely implementation; each year of delay not only prolongs the market for deforestation‑linked products but also sends mixed signals to international partners about the EU’s environmental commitments.

Political dynamics have reshaped the EUDR’s trajectory. After the 2024 EU elections, a centre‑right coalition gained influence, framing the rule as a bureaucratic burden and pushing for a one‑year postponement, later extended again. Industries with high compliance costs—particularly palm‑oil, rubber, and U.S. soy and timber exporters—have lobbied intensively, arguing that the geolocation requirement is impractical. Meanwhile, sectors like chocolate, which face reputational risks, have championed the regulation to differentiate their brands through transparent supply chains. This split underscores how economic interests can either accelerate or stall sustainability standards.

The stakes extend beyond regulatory timelines. Companies that have already allocated millions to digital tracking tools now face investment uncertainty, potentially discouraging further innovation in supply‑chain transparency. If the EUDR stalls, the EU risks losing its position as a global climate policy leader, weakening the broader Green Deal agenda. Moreover, delayed action perpetuates deforestation, undermining biodiversity, carbon sequestration, and the livelihoods of forest‑dependent communities. A decisive move to enforce the EUDR would reinforce market incentives for sustainable agriculture, protect forest ecosystems, and reaffirm the EU’s commitment to a climate‑resilient future.