Rules Navigator

Register

How the ‘Brussels effect’ backfired

EU Commissioner for Clean, Just and Competitive Transition Teresa Ribera Rodriguez (L) the EU Commissioner for Economy and Productivity, Implementation and Simplification Valdis Dombrovskis (C) and the EU Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy Jessika Roswall talk to media in the Berlaymont building, the EU Commission headquarter building on December 10, 2025 in Brussels, Belgium.
(L-r): EU Commissioners Teresa Ribera Rodriguez (L), Valdis Dombrovskis, and Jessika Roswall. Photo: Thierry Monasse/Getty Images

The Financial Times

 Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window/tab) Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window/tab) Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window/tab) Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window/tab)

Once a model for the world, the EU’s rulemaking machine has faltered under the weight of its own ambition.

14 December, 2025 by Peter Foster in London and Barbara Moens in Brussels

Six years ago the EU pledged to stem the destruction of the world’s forests — and thus take a major step towards halting climate change — by the sheer might of its regulatory power.

With the bloc importing 30 per

But

Register for free to keep reading

To continue reading this article and unlock full access to GRIP, register now. You’ll enjoy free access to all content until our subscription service launches in early 2026.

  • Unlimited access to industry insights
  • Stay on top of key rules and regulatory changes with our Rules Navigator
  • Ad-free experience with no distractions
  • Regular podcasts from trusted external experts
  • Fresh compliance and regulatory content every day
Register for free
Sign in
, , , , , , , , ,
You may also like