Europe’s Largest Party Pushes Parliament to ‘Stop the Clock’ on EUDR

The European Parliament is expected to follow the vast majority of EU governments and back a postponement of the bloc’s deforestation regulation (EUDR) when it meets in Strasbourg for a crucial vote tomorrow. It comes as lawmakers are preparing to support a one‑year delay to December 2026, while leaving the door open for a possible review in mid‑2026.

The move comes after talks between the European People’s Party (EPP), Renew, and the Socialists & Democrats (S&D) collapsed last week, following EPP negotiator Christine Schneider’s failure to reach an agreement with Renew’s Pascal Canfin and S&D’s Delara Burkhardt.

Speaking to European media yesterday, Schneider confirmed that the centre‑right EPP, Parliament’s largest group, will put forward amendments mirroring the Council’s position adopted on 19 November. That deal inserts a simplification review clause that could trigger a reopening by April 2026 if the Commission identifies further burdens.

In addition, the EPP has tabled changes that go beyond the Council’s stance, including a 2026 review clause applying only to countries deemed low‑risk for deforestation. Another proposal is a one‑year enforcement delay, with a voluntary three‑month test period beginning in October 2026. Schneider said she would withdraw those amendments if no deal is reached with Renew and the Socialists, to “avoid uncertainty and align with the Council.”

If the EPP secures far‑right backing from the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR), Parliament and Council would be aligned, removing the need for lengthy negotiations and ensuring the changes take effect before the regulation’s original start date of 30 December 2025.

Socialists and liberals had pressed to keep the December 2025 timeframe in exchange for simplification. But Schneider — who earlier floated a two‑year delay — stuck to the Council’s line, demanding postponement plus new review options.

“The Council mandate is fundamentally flawed and unacceptable,” Burkhardt said. “An early review before the EUDR even enters into application will lead again to a reopening and postponement of the regulation: it’s a stop‑the‑clock through the backdoor.”

Wood Central understands that the S&D will now table their own amendments, while the Greens plan to put forward changes, including a vote to reject the Commission’s delay plan: “An alliance between the EPP and the far right on such an issue would be a historic setback and a blow to the EU’s credibility on climate change,” said Marie Toussaint, vice‑president of the Greens/EFA group.

Commission frustration is evident.

On Thursday, Executive Vice‑President Teresa Ribera wrote: “I cannot hide my deep disappointment and frustration.” Meanwhile, major food companies including Ferrero, Nestlé, and Danone warned that reopening clauses “would inflict substantial sunk costs on companies which have made the necessary investments … and reward the laggards,” according to a letter signed by 23 firms.

Earlier this month, the European Parliament voted to “fast‑track” a new Council proposal to delay the EUDR to December 2026 and June 2027, just weeks before the regulation was scheduled to take effect. The move followed reports by Wood Central that the rollout — still officially slated for 30 December — was in “total chaos” after a majority of EU Ambassadors pushed to “stop the clock” ahead of a December 15–18 Commission vote.

The ballot followed the Commission’s announcement of an IT system failure that effectively postponed implementation until late 2026 — the second delay, after the law was initially due to start in December 2024. Lawmakers also backed a Presidency proposal to simplify compliance, reducing the data load on the IT system and cutting administrative burdens for farmers, foresters, and small operators. Under the revised text, micro and small operators selling directly on the EU market will be exempt from producing detailed due diligence statements and will instead file a one‑off declaration in the IT system.

Wood Central understands that lawmakers will vote on the revised law’s content during the November 24–27 plenary session in Strasbourg, before Parliament moves to adopt a first‑reading of the regulation at its December 15–18 plenary.

• To learn why failures with the EUDR’s IT system could lead to further delays in the rollout of the world’s strictest deforestation regulation, click here for Wood Central’s special feature.