Answer to a written question – The human rights factor in the country benchmarking methodology annex of the EU Deforestation-free Products Regulation – E-000753/2025(ASW)

1. The annex to the Strategic Framework for International Cooperation Engagement[1] presents the general principles of the benchmarking methodology. It relies on quantitative criteria based on scientific evidence and internationally recognised latest available data, primarily from the Global Forest Resources Assessment by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations.

The benchmarking methodology allows to have a specific approach to the countries which are at the lower or higher end of the standard risk category, and that these countries will be a priority for the Commission to engage with. A qualitative methodology will support the dialogues that will be conducted with these countries, based on EU Deforestation Regulation ( EUDR)[2] Article 29 (4) criteria such as existence and implementation of laws protecting human rights, the rights of indigenous peoples, local communities and other customary tenure rights holders.

2. In the framework of this exercise, the EUDR Article 29 (4) also states that information submitted by non-governmental organisations and third parties, including indigenous peoples, local communities and civil society organisations may be take into account and therefore be part of such assessment.

• [1] https://green-business.ec.europa.eu/document/download/98053bb7-bb73-4157-bf35-a9ffa35e2ee2_en?filename=Annex%20to%20Communication%20Strategic%20Framework%20for%20International%20Cooperation%20EUDR.pdf
• [2] Regulation (EU) 2023/1115 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 31 May 2023 on the making available on the Union market and the export from the Union of certain commodities and products associated with deforestation and forest degradation and repealing Regulation (EU) No 995/2010, OJ L 150, 9.6.2023, p. 206-247.