European Commission – European Neighbourhood Monitor

EUDR delay seen as exposing the limits of the “Brussels effect”

The European Union’s decision to delay the implementation of its deforestation law is increasingly seen as a stark illustration of how difficult it has become for Brussels to project its regulatory power beyond its borders. The EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), first proposed in 2021, was intended to prevent products linked to deforestation from entering the bloc’s […]

EUDR delay seen as exposing the limits of the “Brussels effect” Read More »

EU Finalises Delay to Deforestation Rules

European Union / ENM

The European Union has reached a political agreement to delay and amend its flagship Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), thereby also confirming that books, newspapers and other printed materials will no longer fall under the law’s requirements. After intensive trilogue negotiations on December 4, the European Parliament, the Council of the EU and the European Commission agreed

EU Finalises Delay to Deforestation Rules Read More »

Danish EU Presidency pushes ‘super tax’ on heated tobacco

European Union / ENM

NGOs still remain influential in policy debate on EU spending By Pieter Cleppe The Danish Presidency has ignited a major political storm in Brussels after introducing a last-minute overhaul of the Tobacco Excise Directive (TED) that dramatically raises taxes on heated tobacco products. A newly circulated Council draft reveals that both the Presidency and the

Danish EU Presidency pushes ‘super tax’ on heated tobacco Read More »

EU governments back one-year pause and potential reopening of deforestation law

Environment / ENM

EU governments have endorsed a proposal to postpone the implementation of the bloc’s deforestation rules for an additional year and to introduce a mechanism that could allow the legislation to be revised as early as next spring, according to diplomats briefed on the talks. The decision, taken during negotiations on Wednesday, opens the door to

EU governments back one-year pause and potential reopening of deforestation law Read More »

An Endless Appetite for Taxes: Inside the EU Commission’s Policy Mindset

European Union / ENM

This summer, the European Commission unveiled five new proposed “own resources” to fund the EU’s next long-term budget — the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) covering 2028–2034. While two of these ideas, the “Corporate Resource for Europe” (CORE) and the “Tobacco Excise Duty Own Resource” (TEDOR), have drawn the loudest resistance from member states, the real

An Endless Appetite for Taxes: Inside the EU Commission’s Policy Mindset Read More »

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

Trade / ENM

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

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

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

EU Agrees New Trade Deal with Indonesia and Postpones Deforestation Rules Read More »

A Crisis of Trust

European Union / ENM

How the EU’s NGO Funding Machine is Losing Public Confidence By Pieter Cleppe Once hailed as the world’s most trusted institutions, NGOs have seen their credibility erode. Two decades ago, the Edelman Trust Barometer ranked NGOs above corporations, governments, and media. Today, businesses are more trusted than NGOs. This shift isn’t accidental—it’s the result of

A Crisis of Trust Read More »

A Craving for Power and Money: The EU Commission’s Budget Proposal

European Union / ENM

By Pieter Cleppe The European Commission’s proposed 2028–2034 long term EU budget exemplifies its growing craving for power and money. Last week, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed to strongly increase the “MFF” or Multiannual financial framework from €1.2 trillion to €2 trillion. Also, Brussels seeks to shift fiscal power from member states

A Craving for Power and Money: The EU Commission’s Budget Proposal Read More »

EU Poised for Trade Deal with U.S. Ahead of July 9 Deadline

Americas / ENM

The European Union is reportedly prepared to finalize a trade agreement with the United States before the looming July 9 deadline set by President Donald Trump, aimed at averting a threatened 50 percent tariff increase on EU exports. However, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has underscored that “all options remain on the table,”

EU Poised for Trade Deal with U.S. Ahead of July 9 Deadline Read More »