The European Parliament postpones the deforestation law by one year: an irresponsible act, says Zakia Khattabi

Belgian Federal Minister of Climate and Environment, Zakia Khattabi, expresses her deep concern and anger following today’s vote in the European Parliament’s plenary. As COP 29 began this Monday in Baku and Spain faces an unprecedented environmental disaster, the one-year delay in the enforcement of the law against imported deforestation is, in the federal minister’s view, an irresponsible act and an extremely negative signal to the entire international community.

“While Europe is facing the dramatic impacts of climate disruption, in Spain and elsewhere, the triple environmental crisis does not allow for a pause. By delaying and simultaneously weakening this law, the Christian Democrats, liberals, and the far right are deciding to jeopardize the well-being of our societies and the future of upcoming generations,” stated Zakia Khattabi. “This setback is all the more regrettable as the climate emergency and the collapse of biodiversity demand strong and immediate action.”

This delay also marks a step backward for the European Green Deal, even though the president of the European Commission had committed to a greener and more resilient Europe. The fight against deforestation, especially imported deforestation, is a cornerstone of this commitment. This postponement risks undermining the credibility of the European Union on the international stage, while it is responsible for 16% of global deforestation, and could hinder progress toward climate targets.

“Forests are essential in the fight against climate change!” continued the Green minister. “Decisions that shape the future of humanity cannot be postponed. This vote is an irresponsible act that goes entirely against the Council’s position, which emphasizes, among other things, the need for stronger climate and biodiversity policies, particularly with the protection and restoration of forests worldwide.”