EUDR’s good intentions: A challenging path forward

In a letter published in the Financial Times on July 23, 2024, Paul Brannen, Director of Public Affairs for CEI-Bois (European Confederation of Woodworking Industries), highlights the challenges and unintended consequences of the EU’s deforestation-free products regulation (EUDR). Despite its well-meaning intentions, the EUDR has faced significant criticism for its practical shortcomings, particularly from a global south perspective. Brannen’s letter references an opinion piece by Alan Beattie, “Brussels can’t see deforestation for trees in jungle of policies,” which outlines the various difficulties EU companies are encountering as they strive to comply with the ...