European Commission – European Neighbourhood Monitor

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

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 […]

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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

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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

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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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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

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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

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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,”

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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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Malaysia Slams EU’s “Standard Risk” Deforestation Label

Indopacific / ENM

Malaysia has sharply criticized the European Union’s decision to classify it as a “standard risk” country under the EU’s new anti-deforestation regulation, arguing that the designation is based on outdated data and reflects a broader pattern of the EU using environmental policy to exert control over trade. Speaking at an event in Singapore, Malaysian Commodities

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Doubts raised on effectiveness on newly proposed EUDR simplification

Indo-Pacific / ENM

The European Commission has announced simplifications to the implementation of its Deforestation Regulation in response to complaints about the cost of it for businesses. The initiative is part of its more general ongoing focus on streamlining regulatory processes while continuing to apply the overall ambitions of the Green Deal. Regarding EUDR simplification, the Commission published

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