Citizens are calling on the European Parliament to lead efforts to protect the environment and to consider implementing a ban on imports of beef and soy from South America. Many citizens have written to the President of the European Parliament on this subject since October 2024 to share their concerns about wildfires, caused by the beef and soy industries, which lead to deforestation.
We replied to citizens who took the time to write to the President in English:
EU law against deforestation
The European Union (EU) recognises the impact of deforestation and environmental degradation across the world, and has taken action to minimise its own impact in this area, which will also reduce greenhouse gas emissions and global biodiversity loss.
In 2023, the EU adopted a new law on ‘deforestation-free’ products. These rules apply to cattle, soy, palm oil, coffee, cocoa, timber and rubber as well as derived products (such as beef, furniture, or chocolate). Companies selling these products within the EU must prove they do not come from recently deforested land or contribute to forest degradation.
In October 2024, the European Commission proposed that the new rules should apply from December 2025 rather than from December 2024. However, this change first needs to gain approval from the European Parliament and the Council of the EU.
Trade negotiations with Mercosur
The EU is in discussions on an association agreement with Mercosur, the South American trading bloc. In response to a recent parliamentary question and a petition calling for the EU to ban imports of meat and soy from Brazil, the European Commission points out that it is seeking additional assurances on the fight against deforestation. The European Parliament delegation for Mercosur is closely following the discussions.
Background
Citizens often send messages to the President of the European Parliament expressing their views and/or requesting action. The Citizens’ Enquiries Unit (AskEP) within the European Parliamentary Research Service (EPRS) replies to these messages, which may sometimes be identical as part of wider public campaigns.
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