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as a “standard risk” country under the EU’s new anti-deforestation regulation, arguing that the designation is based on outdated data and reflects a broader pattern of the EU using environmental policy to exert control over trade.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 […]
Malaysia Slams EU’s “Standard Risk” Deforestation Label Read More »
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
EU Reveals Controversial Anti-Deforestation Rankings Read More »
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
Doubts raised on effectiveness on newly proposed EUDR simplification Read More »
As the Trump administration revives its aggressive trade posture, non-tariff barriers have come to the center of U.S. trade demands. This week, the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) has ramped up pressure on the European Union, urging it to scrap key environmental regulations that the U.S. sees as unfair obstacles to trade—most
USTR Pressures EU to Dismantle Green Regulations in Exchange for Tariff Relief Read More »
Republican U.S. Senator Tom Cotton has joined a group of U.S. lawmakers in voicing strong opposition to the European Union’s Deforestation-Free Regulation (EUDR), arguing that it places unfair burdens on American industries and threatens billions of dollars in exports. In a letter to U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai, Cotton and his colleagues warned that the EU’s
U.S. Senator Tom Cotton lashes out at EU deforestation rules Read More »
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced on Friday that the European Union and India are committed to finalizing a free-trade agreement by the end of the year. Speaking in New Delhi during her two-day visit, von der Leyen emphasized that strengthening ties with India is a strategic priority for Europe. She described the
EU and India aim to seal free trade agreement by the end of the year Read More »
The European Union (EU) and Malaysia have officially resumed negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), aiming to enhance economic cooperation and unlock new trade opportunities. The talks, which were previously suspended in 2012, are expected to address key issues such as market access, investment protection, and digital trade. Key Priorities of the Negotiations include
EU and Malaysia Relaunch Trade Talks Read More »
Yesterday, a majority of Members of European Parliament voted in favour of postponing the EU’s new deforestation regulation (EUDR) with one year, so it will only enter into force in January 2026. The European People’s Party, which is the biggest group in the EP, submitted a whole range of amendments, ultimately however pulling amendments that
European Parliament votes to delay deforestation rules with one year Read More »
In a speech for the the Institute of International and European Affairs, Sabine Weyand (picture), the European Commission’s Director General for Trade, has remarked that trading partners are increasingly questioning EU’s use of trade policy to act as a “global regulator”. She thereby also questioned the EU’s handling of its deforestation directive, stating: “We should
Revealed: Trading partners ask EU: “Who has appointed you world regulator?” Read More »