On 21 October 2025, the European Commission officially published a Proposal to amend the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), as part of its broader simplification efforts. While the core timeline remains unchanged for most businesses, the proposal introduces targeted adjustments that could affect compliance strategies across the supply chain.

Key Highlights from the Proposal

Contrary to earlier expectations on a potential one-year delay, the proposal does not delay the overall application of the EUDR. Instead, it introduces targeted extensions for micro and small primary operators, allowing them to comply by 30 December 2026 (instead of 30 June 2026). For all other operators, the regulation still enters into force on 30 December 2025, with a six-month grace period for enforcement extending to 30 June 2026. Additionally, the proposal attempts to shift the responsibilities to upstream operators, while clarifying the distinction between traders and downstream operators.

What’s Changing?

The proposal introduces several important updates:

New Definitions Micro and Small Primary Operators – Now formally recognized, with simplified compliance obligations. This new subcategory covers natural persons, micro and small undertakings established in low-risk countries that produce and place their own products on the market. Downstream Operators – Defined as entities placing products on the market that are made using relevant products that are already covered by a due diligence statement or by a simplified declaration.

Clarified Roles Operators – Entities placing relevant products on the market, excluding downstream operators. Traders – Entities in the supply chain other than operators or downstream operators. Commercial Activity – Now includes processing, distribution, or internal use by not only the operators and traders, but also downstream operators. Authorised Representatives – Entities mandated to act on behalf of operators within the EU.

Simplified Due Diligence Micro and small primary operators may submit a one-time simplified declaration instead of repeated statements. This includes the replacement of the geolocation data by the postal address of all the plots where the concerned relevant commodities have been produced. Downstream operators and traders will no longer need to submit a separate DDS (the obligation to ascertain that due diligence was exercised upstream and to submit the DDS is eliminated). Instead, only one submission at the market entry point will suffice for the entire supply chain. Non-SME downstream operators and non-SME traders must still register in the information system and pass on their DDS identifiers to maintain traceability, but they will not be required to submit new statements for each transaction.

Digital Infrastructure The Commission is working to stabilize the EUDR’s central information system, which has faced challenges due to high data volumes from large firms.

Implications for Businesses

For companies that do not qualify as micro or small primary operators, the original compliance timeline remains in place. This means:

Due diligence obligations begin on 30 December 2025

Enforcement grace period ends on 30 June 2026 for non-SME operators and traders and on 30 December 2026 for certain micro and small undertakings

Businesses must ensure they are ready to meet the full scope of EUDR requirements, including robust data collection, supplier documentation, and integration with the EU’s digital reporting system.

Next Steps: Legislative Uncertainty Ahead

While the European Commission has called for a swift adoption of the proposed amendments by the end of 2025, the legislative process remains uncertain and subject to change. The proposal must now be reviewed and approved by both the Council of the European Union and the European Parliament, which may introduce further revisions or delays.

Key considerations include:

Informing companies about threats that could harm them, and how they can prepare, makes perfect sense. And in today’s geopolitical reality, it’s becoming indispensable.

I remember when “In Case of Crisis or War” was first published in 2018: The Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency, or MSB, sent the leaflet out by post to every single home. The use of snail mail wasn’t accidental — in a crisis, there could be devastating cyberattacks that would prevent people from accessing information online.

The leaflet — an updated version of the Cold War-era “In Case of War” — contained information about all manner of possible harm, along with information about how to best prepare and protect oneself. Then, there was the key statement: “If Sweden is attacked, we will never surrender. Any suggestion to the contrary is false.”

Over the top, suggested some outside observers derisively. Why cause panic among people?

But, oh, what folly!

Preparedness leaflets have been used elsewhere too. I came to appreciate preparedness education during my years as a resident of San Francisco — a city prone to earthquakes. On buses, at bus stops and online, residents like me were constantly reminded that an earthquake could strike at any moment and we were told how to prepare, what to do while the earthquake was happening, how to find loved ones afterward and how to fend for ourselves for up to three days after a tremor.

“Andhra Pradesh (A.P.) is a ‘start-up State’ that is ‘hungry for business’ and committed to delivering its promises with Speed-of-Doing Business (SoDB) as the driving force,” IT & HRD Minister Nara Lokesh said, adding that investments amounting to $120 billion were brought in the last 15 months.

He was participating in a Q&A session organised by Andhra Pradesh-United Kingdom Business Forum in London late Tuesday night (September 16, 2025) and anchored by Tech Mahindra President (European Business) Harshul Asnani.

“No other State could clinch such mega deals as the steel plant being set up by ArcelorMittal-Nippon Steel (in Anakapalli district) and the clutch of IT sector behemoths such as Google and home-grown TCS making a beeline to Visakhapatnam in a few days,” he said.

“This was made possible by the Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu’s leadership and the perseverance with which investments were being attracted into diverse sectors,” said IT & HRD Minister Nara Lokesh.

Mr. Lokesh said Andhra Pradesh was the only State talking about SoDB and the impressive results achieved by it were quite evident from AM-NS steel plant, the foray of TCS into Visakhapatnam, a big investment from LG Electronics that was in the pipeline and the RIL’ Compress Bio-Gas (CBG) plants among a host of other projects.

A 1-Gigawatt data centre was coming up in Visakhapatnam, an automotive ecosystem was built around the Kia Motors’ manufacturing facility located in Anantapur district and many other projects were being pursued with a lot of rigour and energy.

Mr. Lokesh said the State Government allotted land for TCS in Visakhapatnam for an unbelievable 99 paise per acre. Under the Land Incentive for Tech Hub (LIFT) Policy, the first hundred companies in certain categories would be given land at the same rockbottom rate of 99 paise/acre.

“The government was giving 80,000 acres of barren land on lease to RIL for growing Napier grass for using it as a raw material to produce CBG,” he said.

The Minister further said A.P. was leading India’s Quantum Technology revolution by developing a Quantum Valley in Amaravati, and a Space City was being created in Tirupati district with Skyroot Aerospace as the anchor (it was given 300 acres).

Emphasis was duly laid on next-gen manufacturing, which was the brick and mortar part of the economy now, and as the tariffs on exports kicked in, the State Government was looking towards the diversification of markets as a solution to what appears to be a persistent problem.

“As we are also humans, three out of ten decisions might go wrong but we are willing to listen and make the necessary course corrections. Once the hands are shaken, a project becomes ours,” Mr. Lokesh asserted, calling upon the prospective entrepreneurs to explore the distinct advantages offered by A.P.

As Europe seeks to boost its defenses, business is growing for some startups in the German defense industry. But can they deliver amid rising global tensions, hamstrung by red tape and certification hurdles?

As geopolitical tensions reshape Europe’s strategic priorities, defense startups in Germany are urged to reduce reliance on overseas components and shift toward fully domestic or EU-based production. Experts warn of the risks tied to supply chains linked to potential adversaries. In parallel, emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, play an increasingly vital role in connecting innovations across platforms, adding both capability and complexity to the sector’s future.

This video summary was created by AI from the original DW script. It was edited by a journalist before publication.

Restructuring activity is climbing steadily across Europe, and Irish businesses will not be immune. The pressures driving this trend, from stubborn inflation to higher financing costs, supply chain friction, and geopolitical uncertainty are not short-term shocks. They are slow-burn forces that will shape the next 12–18 months across Irish and EU businesses.

For some companies, this period will be about protecting stability. For others, it could be an opportunity to restructure on favourable terms and emerge stronger. For those with the resources, it may present unexpected acquisition opportunities. Either way, preparation is key.

The European picture

The latest EY-Parthenon Restructuring Pulse Survey, drawing insights from 200 workout banking professionals in 25 countries, paints a clear picture:

56% reported an increase in restructuring cases in their portfolios during the second half of 2024.

68% expect a further rise in the first half of 2025.

Almost half (48%) expect the peak to arrive in the second half of 2025, while 30% see it coming in 2026.

A third (32%) expect only modest growth, with no more than a 10% increase in the first half of 2025.

This is not the kind of spike we saw in previous crises, particularly, the Global Financial Crisis in Ireland. Instead, the build-up is gradual, driven by persistent headwinds. Industrial sectors in Western and Central Europe face energy and tariff pressures, while tourism-heavy economies are still feeling the effects of changing travel patterns and higher costs.

What that means in an Irish context

The same forces are at play here in Ireland. Challenging interest rates and input costs are squeezing margins. Global supply chain blockages are still working their way through manufacturing and distribution. Consumer sentiment, while more resilient than feared, remains cautious too.

There is also the question of cross-border exposure. Many Irish companies operate within US and European supply chains or serve export markets where customers are under stress. If a key customer restructures or a partner reduces orders, the effects can ripple quickly.

At the same time, Ireland has legal and structural advantages that can help businesses manage restructuring proactively: