On 4 December 2024, Ms. Somrudee Poopornanake, Deputy Director-General of the Department of European Affairs, chaired the meeting on Potential Cooperation to discuss with the European Union Delegation to Thailand on Thailand’s adaptation to be in compliance with the EU Deforestation-free Products Regulation (EUDR), where representatives from the relevant public and business agencies attended namely Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Office of the National Land Policy Board (ONLB), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), Rubber Authority of Thailand (RAOT) and the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI).

The participants exchanged views on the challenges and possible cooperation, including for the EUDR to be more flexible, to support the adaptation of Thai smallholders to be in compliance with the EUDR while maintaining their professions and promoting their well-being.

The EUDR is a part of the European Green Deal, covering 7 commodities, namely cattle, wood, cocoa, soy, palm oil, coffee, rubber, and some of their derived products. The EUDR will enter into force on 30 December 2025 for large operators and traders and 30 June 2026 for micro-and small enterprises. Thailand as one of the trading partners is committed to adapting under the EUDR for sustainability.