Feasibility study on options to step up EU action against deforestation : PART I, background analysis, scale and trends of global deforestation and assessment of EU contribution and PART II, a potential EU initiative on deforestation, possible interventions

This study explores the feasibility of options to step up EU action against deforestation. Its results are presented in two reports: 'Part I: Background analysis and setting the scene: scale and trends of global deforestation and assessment of EU contribution' and 'Part II: A potential EU initiative on deforestation: possible interventions'. Part I analyses recent global and regional trends in deforestation and the linkages with the production and consumption of twelve key Forest Risk Commodities, with a focus on the role of the EU and its impacts. Further, the study reviews relevant EU policies, legislation and initiatives and ongoing international and regional efforts by private sector, governments and civil society. Building on the analytical insights gained in Part I, the Part II report makes suggestions on the framing of a possible EU initiative to tackle deforestation and its root causes and drivers. This includes specific objectives and a range of potential EU interventions tackling different dimension of the problem (supply and demand side drivers, as well as the role of finance & investments). All identified interventions are assessed against a shared set of assessment criteria: feasibility and effectiveness; political acceptance, technical complexity; and administrative costs. Given the complexity of the problem, any potential EU initiative should consider a package of interventions which addresses the supply, demand and finance dimensions, building on and reinforcing existing EU action as well as government and private sector commitments on zero deforestation and other relevant international initiatives.