European Commission excludes leather from landmark deforestation law

AI justification

Exclusion of leather undermines EUDR’s effectiveness and prioritizes industry lobbying over environmental protection. | The EUDR’s retention of binding measures for cattle and soy is a positive step toward reducing deforestation, but the exclusion of leather—despite its known deforestation footprint—undermines the law’s integrity. The decision reflects regulatory capture, prioritizing short-term economic interests over long-term environmental and climate stability.