The European Union and the trade unions are divided on the revision of the renewable energy directives (RED III). The MEPs adopted an ambitious position. The European Parliament voted to ban the import of deforestation products into the European market.
The European Union wants to change the rules
The fight against deforestation has won a historic victory according to environmental associations. Adopted by the European Parliament, the provisions are extremely restrictive for companies. Satellite images will be used to verify the links between imported goods and deforestation.
In the area of deforestation, Brussels intends to change the rules. A radical change especially on public subsidies to primary woody biomass. According to the text, certain types of biomass called “primary woody” will no longer benefit from a renewable energy label.
In 2021, accusations denounce the European Union for its massive deforestation actions. Indeed, Brussels considers the production of biofuels as a clean energy. Despite the support of NGOs, the industry’s unions are urging the French government to oppose the measure.
Concerned unions
The union of renewable energies (SER) is strongly opposed to the provisions of MEPs by pointing out a paradox. The unions underline the “economic and ecological aberration” that its application would constitute. However, the European Union’s objective is to increase the share of renewable energy.
For the unions, wood is an indispensable resource for which the French legal framework is already strict. Furthermore, the parts of the tree used as an energy source would have no other outlet. For Jean-Michel Servant, president of France Bois Forêt, it is imperative to review the definition of primary biomass:
“The definition of primary forest biomass adopted by the European Parliament is “out of touch”. It is disconnected from the realities on the ground.”
Wood is one of the first sources of renewable energy in France. In the context of soaring prices, it is a local and inexpensive source of supply. Thus, the unions call on the French government to oppose the provisions of the Parliament in the upcoming trialogue.
