28/03/23 (Agence Europe) – At a meeting of the World Trade Organization (WTO) Committee on Agriculture on 27-28 March, several countries reiterated their concerns about the EU’s regulation against imported deforestation (see EUROPE 13101/29). A few months ago, 14 of them sent a letter to the presidents of the European Parliament, the European Commission and the Council of the EU denouncing a regulation that is “punitive” and “unfair on developing nations”. On 27-28 March in Geneva, Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, Ecuador and Indonesia again expressed doubts about the compatibility of the regulation with WTO rules. They asked the EU to consult them before reaching its final decision. The text is part of a provisional agreement between the EU Council and the European Parliament, which must be formally approved by both institutions. (LM)