Skip to Primary Navigation

Skip to main content

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

6 min read
 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

, , , , , , , , ,

Get full access, free for a month

Start your 28-day free trial to continue reading and access
all content on GRIP – no payment details required.

Start free trial Sign in

What’s included:

  • Every new article, plus our 5,000+ archive
  • Daily regulatory insight and guidance
  • Exclusive interviews and in-depth analysis
  • Coverage of industry-leading events and conferences
  • All podcasts and videos, featuring industry experts
  • The full set of Rules Navigator tools
  • An ad-free experience