Trade – European Neighbourhood Monitor

EU to Exempt Small Farmers from Deforestation Rules Amid Growing Global Backlash

The European Union is preparing to ease the burden of its landmark anti-deforestation law by exempting small farmers and foresters from some of its most stringent reporting requirements. The move, confirmed by multiple EU officials involved in negotiations, marks a major adjustment to one of the bloc’s most ambitious green policies — and comes as […]

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EU and India Intensify Efforts Toward Free Trade Agreement

Trade / ENM

The European Union and India are entering the final phase of their free trade negotiations, maintaining near-continuous contact to finalize an agreement by the end of the year, according to the European Commission. Negotiators from both sides recently met in Brussels, where they reported progress on several key issues. A major development was the closure

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EU Agrees New Trade Deal with Indonesia and Postpones Deforestation Rules

Indopacific, Trade / ENM

The European Union will delay launching its anti-deforestation law for a second time, Environment Commissioner Jessika Roswall announced on Tuesday, postponing the ban on imports of commodities such as palm oil linked to forest destruction for another year. The regulation — initially due to take effect on December 30 — would require companies selling goods

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Poland Launches First Freight Train from Warsaw to China, Enhancing Trade Connectivity

Trade / ENM

Poland has inaugurated its first freight train service from Warsaw to China, marking a significant step in strengthening trade ties between Europe and Asia. Operated by PKP Cargo Connect, the state-owned Polish rail freight company, this new route is expected to facilitate the export of European goods, including furniture, footwear, ski equipment, and playground gear,

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EU-US Framework Agreement Eases New EU Deforestation Rules

Trade / ENM

In a significant development for transatlantic trade and environmental policy, the European Union has formally recognized that “production of the relevant commodities within the territory of the United States poses negligible risk to global deforestation”, according to a joint framework agreement publicly released by the White House on August 21. This acknowledgment represents a strategic

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The European Commission: Out of Touch with Reality and Democracy

Environment, Trade / ENM

By Pieter Cleppe, editor-in-chief, BrusselsReport.eu As the European Commission charges ahead with a new climate ambition—cutting emissions by 90% by 2040 compared to 1990 levels—it seems determined to ignore both economic warning signs and the political will of European citizens. Despite a clear electoral setback for green parties in the 2024 European Parliament elections, Brussels

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Canada Clears Path for U.K. to Trade Under CPTPP

Trade / ENM

Canada has agreed to ratify the United Kingdom’s entry into the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), resolving a major sticking point in bilateral relations and paving the way for both countries to trade under its terms. The move marks a significant step toward strengthening U.K.-Canada commerce as the two allies seek to

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EU Reveals Controversial Anti-Deforestation Rankings

Trade / ENM

In a move sparking international controversy, the European Commission has officially published its long-awaited country classifications under the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), revealing that all 27 EU member states have been placed in the “low risk” category. The EUDR introduces a risk-based system—low, standard, and high—that governs the level of due diligence required from companies

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Von der Leyen seeking a solution following global pushback against EU deforestation rules

Trade / ENM

The EU’s newly enforced anti-deforestation regulation, designed to curb imports tied to deforestation, has sparked global controversy and divided opinions within Europe. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is preparing to propose a solution to the impasse, as both international trading partners and EU politicians voice concerns over the rule’s impact. The regulation, which

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EP Rapporteur of EU deforestation directive to become European Commissioner

Trade, Uncategorized / ENM

Christophe Hansen (picture), a former member of the European Parliament’s trade committee, has been nominated as Luxembourg’s next European Commissioner. The politician has a background in trade and environmental policy and may reportedly be considered to become the EU’s new Agriculture Commissioner. Reflecting on his nomination, Hansen stated, “I am honored to be entrusted with

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