The Team Europe Initiative on Deforestation-Free Value Chains (TEI DFVC) aims to support partner countries in complying with the European Deforestation-Free Products Regulation (EUDR). As part of the TEI outreach activities, partners from Latin American countries have been invited to participate in the TEI Eurotrip: EUDR in Practice to gain first hand insights on how the EUDR will be applied on European ground.
During an intensive week in Brussels and Bonn, 21 delegates from nine Latin American countries engaged with European stakeholders for a deep dive into the practicalities, expectations, and implications of the EUDR. The delegation included public and private sector representatives from Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, Paraguay, and Peru –key exporters of major commodities such as soy, cattle, cocoa, and coffee to the EU.
From Dialogue to Action
Meetings with the European Commission, the Belgian Competent Authority, and the German Competent Authority fostered open, often highly detailed discussions. Participants valued the opportunity to present their country- and sector-specific realities— raising complex questions and highlighting real-world challenges.
Authorities revisited key regulatory texts to clarify interpretations considering the recently published benchmarking system, discussing its implications for individual countries, future compliance checks, and information processing.
The visit to the Port of Antwerp was a highlight of the Eurotrip program.
Participants gained insights into regulatory compliance at one of Europe’s key entry point for agricultural commodities. Observing the unloading and storage processes for coffee and cocoa at the Molenbergnatie warehouse revealed how traceability, separation and control measures are applied on the ground – an enthusiastic moment for participants to spot bags of products from their countries arriving in Europe.
Customs Authority at the Port of Antwerp offered practical insights from past experiences with the EU timber regulation, to clarify expectations for EUDR enforcement. Their reflections helped place new requirements into an operational context.
A multistakeholder session brought together public, private and civil society sector to explore concrete solutions around traceability, legality, and the inclusion of smallholders. These conversations were pivotal in outlining the tools and partnerships needed to ensure fair and effective implementation.
The week concluded with a focused dialogue on the role of certification schemes, and how they could support compliance under the EUDR.
A Shared Vision for Sustainable Trade
In a strong spirit of international cooperation, authorities expressed their support for partners during the implementation phase. The exchanges reflected a shared understanding that EUDR compliance is a learning process for all stakeholders.
European stakeholders expressed strong appreciation for LATAM partner countries’ impressive efforts and progress toward sustainable and deforestation-free value chains, recognising that many of these developments have been underway for years. In this context, the EUDR is seen not as the starting point, but as an accelerator of existing momentum.
The European Commission encouraged the continued sharing of national tools, approaches, and early solutions at the EU Deforestation Platform or the Producer Roundtable, which bring producer country perspectives into core policy dialogues and ensure that realities inform implementation on the ground.
While compliance obligations rest with EU-based operators, participants stressed the need for greater clarity and alignment across the supply chain. Producer countries can further clearly show how their legal frameworks align with EUDR requirements, as this transparency is vital for regulatory certainty and effective due diligence.
Participants also called for harmonised approaches to traceability, data collection, and risk assessment – especially given the interconnected nature of many supply chains. There was strong support for regionally coordinated “dry runs” , shared learning platforms, and investments in national digital infrastructures that can interoperate with EU systems.
Key Takeaways
- Risks are often misperceived — in most cases, it is low and manageable.
- Traceability is no longer optional: it is the new standard.
- EUDR is the beginning, not the end.
- We’re in this together – and it’s a work in progress.
Building on Momentum
The TEI Eurotrip has laid the groundwork for deeper alignment and mutual understanding between Europe and Latin America on the path to legal, deforestation-free, sustainable trade. As one delegate noted:
May partnerships and collaborative work between countries and institutions make us stronger so that no one is left behind.
Building on the spirit of this first Eurotrip, the journey is far from over. Two more are already on the horizon – one bringing together partners from Africa, and another one focused on stakeholders from Southeast Asia. These upcoming Eurotrips will continue the exchange and collaboration, offering dynamic platforms for dialogue, learning, and joint problem-solving. They aim to strengthen global partnerships and accelerate collective progress toward sustainable, deforestation-free value chains.
