EU Parliament Pushes Back on EUDR Deforestation Risk Ratings
Overview
The European Parliament rejected the Commission’s country-risk classification system under the EU Deforestation Regulation. Lawmakers say the current approach relies on outdated data, lacks transparency, and fails to reflect actual deforestation risks.
Photo from EU
The Opposition
On 9 July 2025, the European Parliament adopted a resolution opposing the Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/1093. The regulation classifies countries into low, standard, or high deforestation risk categories under the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). The resolution passed with 373 votes in favor, 289 against, and 26 abstentions.
Why Parliament Objected
Lawmakers raised concerns about the regulation’s methodology and effectiveness:
Outdated data
Relies on forest data from 2020
Ignores recent deforestation and land-use trends
Unclear definitions
Uses general forest loss instead of EUDR’s specific definition of deforestation
May misclassify legal, sustainable forestry as harmful
Lack of transparency
Risk indicator thresholds are not well justified
No explanation of how indicators are weighted
Oversimplified categories
Uses just three levels of risk
Fails to reflect differences within large or diverse countries
No process for reassessment
Countries can’t easily move between categories
Weakens the incentive to improve forest governance
What Parliament Wants
The resolution calls for the Commission to:
Withdraw and revise the regulation
Use real-time satellite data and updated indicators
Add a “negligible risk” category for top performers
Allow more frequent country reassessments
Consult stakeholders including producers and indigenous groups
Support traceability systems and governance reforms in high-risk areas
What This Means for Businesses
Companies may see new sourcing restrictions or due diligence requirements shift
Risk assessments could vary by region, not just country
Transparency in how countries are classified may increase
Looking Ahead
While the resolution isn’t legally binding, it increases pressure on the European Commission. A revised risk classification is likely by the next review cycle in 2026. Until then, companies should keep ESG teams engaged and stay alert for changes in EUDR enforcement.