10/05/23 (Agence Europe) – The regulation to reduce the EU’s contribution to global deforestation and forest degradation is expected to be adopted on Tuesday 16 May alongside the ‘Ecofin’ Council. On Wednesday 10 May, the Member States’ ambassadors to the EU (Coreper) validated the text of the political agreement reached with the European Parliament at the end of 2022 (see EUROPE 13165/12, 13078/9). Five countries indicated that they would abstain. None will vote against it. The text states that only products that companies can prove have not contributed to global forest degradation or deforestation can be sold in the EU or exported from the EU. This will be based on a duty of reasonable due diligence in supply chains. Seven commodities - soybeans, palm oil, livestock, timber, cocoa, coffee and rubber - and by-products will be covered, to start with. (AN)