US Lobbyists Blitz EU Deforestation Law to Weaken Rules 2026

US corporate lobbyists launched a two-year blitz to dilute the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), according to a new report by environmental watchdog Mighty Earth. The investigation reveals that major US firms and trade associations, including Cargill, Bunge, Mondelēz, and the US Soybean Export Council, held over 350 meetings with EU officials to postpone and weaken the landmark law.

What Is the EU Deforestation Regulation?

The EUDR, proposed in 2023, was hailed as “the most ambitious legislative attempt to tackle these issues worldwide ever” by then-European environment commissioner Virginijus Sinkevičius. It prohibits imports of commodities such as cattle, cocoa, coffee, oil palm, rubber, soya, and wood from deforested land. The law aims to ensure that products consumed in the EU do not contribute to global deforestation.

However, since its proposal, the regulation has faced intense lobbying from US industry groups. The implementation has been delayed twice, and the original goal of rigorously tracing commodity origins has been significantly revised. Some initial supporters claim the policy has been effectively “dismantled.”

The Lobbying Blitz: Key Findings

Mighty Earth’s investigation documents a concerted effort by US corporate interests to influence the EUDR. The report highlights that over 350 meetings took place between US company representatives and EU officials over two years. These meetings often raised concerns about implementation costs and logistical challenges, but critics argue they were part of a broader strategy to weaken the law.

US firms and trade associations deny any coordinated campaign to derail the rules, insisting their meetings were legitimate efforts to address practical concerns. Nevertheless, the scale and intensity of the lobbying have raised eyebrows among environmental advocates.

Major Players Involved

Several prominent US companies and organizations participated in the lobbying efforts:

• Cargill – one of the world’s largest privately held corporations, dealing in agricultural commodities.
• Bunge – a major agribusiness and food company.
• Mondelēz – a multinational confectionery and snack company.
• US Soybean Export Council – a trade group promoting US soybean exports.

These entities, along with numerous others, sought to shape the EUDR through frequent engagements with EU policymakers.

Impact on the EUDR and Global Deforestation Efforts

The lobbying has had tangible effects. The EUDR’s implementation has been postponed twice, and key provisions have been revised. Originally, the law required strict traceability of commodities back to the plot of land where they were produced. Now, some of these requirements have been relaxed, and the timeline for compliance has been extended.

Environmental groups warn that these changes could undermine the law’s effectiveness. The EUDR was seen as a model for similar regulations worldwide, and its weakening could set a dangerous precedent. Some US lawmakers had even suggested that the EUDR should inspire US legislation.

Comparison: Original vs. Revised EUDR

The table above illustrates how the regulation has been diluted over time.

Key Takeaways

• US corporate lobbyists held over 350 meetings with EU officials to influence the EUDR.
• Major companies like Cargill, Bunge, and Mondelēz were involved in the lobbying efforts.
• The EUDR has been delayed twice and its provisions significantly weakened.
• Environmental groups warn that the law’s dilution could undermine global forest protection.
• US industry groups deny any coordinated campaign to derail the rules.

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