20 April 2026 at 04:36 pm IST
A new EU Sustainable Supply Chains Coalition has been launched in the European Parliament to support the implementation of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), which is set to apply from the end of 2026. The coalition brings together European companies, certification bodies, and non-profit organisations to strengthen sustainability across agricultural and timber supply chains. The coalition aims to advocate for ambitious EU legislation and practical policy support that helps businesses comply with the regulation while maintaining strong environmental standards. Its focus is on improving traceability, due diligence, and transparency for commodities such as cocoa, coffee, palm oil, soy, rubber, cattle, and timber—products closely linked to global deforestation risks. The launch comes ahead of the European Commission’s simplification review of the EUDR, expected by April 30, 2026. The regulation had already been revised to postpone full application until December 30, 2026 for large and medium operators, while keeping its core objective of preventing deforestation-linked products from entering the EU market. Supporters say the coalition is intended to reinforce confidence in the regulation at a time when lobbying pressure for further delays or dilution is increasing. By creating stronger collaboration between policymakers and supply chain stakeholders, the initiative seeks to ensure that sustainability commitments translate into measurable action and that Europe remains firm on deforestation-free trade standards.
