Bridging Continents:
African Voices on Europe’s Deforestation-Free Path
Brussels/Antwerp, September 15–19, 2025
The soft light of September in Brussels set the scene for a journey that stretched beyond borders. Over five days, the Eurotrip – EUDR in Practice, organised by the Team Europe Initiative (TEI) on Deforestation-Free Value Chains, brought together delegates from 12 African countries — from coffee and cocoa authorities, ministries, and cooperatives – to witness firsthand how Europe is implementing the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).
Setting the Tone in Brussels
The week opened with warm words from Heloïse Dubois of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for International Partnerships, who gave an insightful overview of the history, institutions, and structure of the European Union.
Her colleague Simon Greimer followed with a reminder of the EUDR’s purpose — to halt deforestation, protect biodiversity, and promote sustainable supply chains. As participants listened, the stage was set for a week of shared learning and open conversation.
Setting the Tone in Brussels
The week opened with warm words from Heloïse Dubois of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for International Partnerships, who gave an insightful overview of the history, institutions, and structure of the European Union.
Her colleague Simon Greimer followed with a reminder of the EUDR’s purpose — to halt deforestation, protect biodiversity, and promote sustainable supply chains. As participants listened, the stage was set for a week of shared learning and open conversation.
Understanding Europe’s Roots
In the heart of Brussels, delegates began to exchange experiences — stories from coffee farms, cocoa cooperatives, and trade ministries around Africa. Over time, the room filled with trust and curiosity.
An evening visit to the European Parlamentarium offered a symbolic connection: by walking through the history of European integration, participants could better understand the vision of the European Union and it’s values
Understanding Europe’s Roots
In the heart of Brussels, delegates began to exchange experiences — stories from coffee farms, cocoa cooperatives, and trade ministries around Africa. Over time, the room filled with trust and curiosity.
An evening visit to the European Parlamentarium offered a symbolic connection: by walking through the history of European integration, participants could better understand the vision of the European Union and it’s values
The visit to the European Parlamentarium helped us understand the very meaning behind the establishment of the EUDR. It convinced all of us that we share the same goal: to produce, consume, and preserve our natural resources.
The visit to the European Parlamentarium helped us understand the very meaning behind the establishment of the EUDR. It convinced all of us that we share the same goal: to produce, consume, and preserve our natural resources.
A visit to the Port of Antwerp
The next morning, the group travelled north to Antwerp, where Europe’s second-largest port offered a new perspective on deforestation-free trade. Standing before ships and silos, the delegates could see how commodities enter Europe — and how traceability and due diligence work in practice.
I was really impressed with the port technology and how they handle logistics there.
I was really impressed with the port technology and how they handle logistics there.
Tracing the Path from Farm to Port
At Molenbergnatie, a logistics hub handling over 278 million tonnes of cargo annually, The delegates observed products from their own countries, tracked and stored through established systems. Seeing cocoa and coffee from their home countries among the stocks illustrated the direct link between African producers and the European market.
I learned that due diligence is not the same as certification — being certified does not mean you are 100% EUDR compliant. We gained a lot of clarity on this
I realized its not rocket science. It is simply about collecting and organizing the required information.
At the warehouse, Faruk Kwansah Nyame, the delegate from Ghana, was proud to see his stocks and said they can do more.This confidence and drive was truly inspiring.
Ghana was proud to see its stocks in the warehouse and said they can do more. This was truly inspiring.
This visit to Antwerp has helped me connect what we are doing on the ground – collecting information – and ensuring that our farmers and coffee comply with the regulation so that due diligence for importation is complete.
This visit to Antwerp has helped me connect what we are doing on the ground – collecting information – and ensuring that our farmers and coffee comply with the regulation so that due diligence for importation is complete.
Stories From Home
Back in Brussels, each delegation presented a poster outlining its national progress toward EUDR readiness. Some countries already have digital traceability systems in place; while others sought guidance on implementation. . Detailed discussions and the search for joint solutions characterised the session.
Stories From Home
Back in Brussels, each delegation presented a poster outlining its national progress toward EUDR readiness. Some countries already have digital traceability systems in place; while others sought guidance on implementation. . Detailed discussions and the search for joint solutions characterised the session.
Conversations and Connections over Coffee
Between the sessions, the delegates engaged in informal discussions over coffee, exchanging notes and contacts. These interactions provided opportunities to share experiences and explore potential areas for collaboration
Conversations and Connections over Coffee
Between the sessions, the delegates engaged in informal discussions over coffee, exchanging notes and contacts. These interactions provided opportunities to share experiences and explore potential areas for collaboration
Many Perspectives, One Goal
Across two days of multistakeholder exchange, voices from regulators, enforcement agencies, companies, and civil society converged. Representatives from producing countries, private sector, and international organisations shared their experiences providing practical insights and clarifying the application of the regulations.
Many Perspectives, One Goal
Across two days of multistakeholder exchange, voices from regulators, enforcement agencies, companies, and civil society converged. Representatives from producing countries, private sector, and international organisations shared their experiences providing practical insights and clarifying the application of the regulations.
Deep Dives Into Complex Topics
Breakout sessions focused on legality, smallholder inclusion, and traceability. Experts from Preferred by Nature, Fern, FAO, and DIASCA led hands-on discussions on both opportunities and challenges.
Deep Dives Into Complex Topics
Breakout sessions focused on legality, smallholder inclusion, and traceability. Experts from Preferred by Nature, Fern, FAO, and DIASCA led hands-on discussions on both opportunities and challenges.
Turning Insights Into Action
As the week came to a close, participants reflected on what they would take home.
When I go back home, I will share this experience and information and give a presentation on all EUDR-compliant activities.
When I go back home, I will share this experience and information and give a presentation on all EUDR-compliant activities.
A Joint Vision for the Future
Delegates collaboratively drafted a joint statement calling for inclusive implementation frameworks that consider smallholder realities, the establishment of a continental EUDR Task Force, and increased financial and technical support adapted to the African context, among other priorities. The statement marked a concrete outcome of the discussions and emphasized the importance of cooperative engagement.
A Joint Vision for the Future
Delegates collaboratively drafted a joint statement calling for inclusive implementation frameworks that consider smallholder realities, the establishment of a continental EUDR Task Force, and increased financial and technical support adapted to the African context, among other priorities. The statement marked a concrete outcome of the discussions and emphasized the importance of cooperative engagement.
From Brussels to Africa — a Journey of Partnership
The Eurotrip concluded with a focus on next steps rather than farewells.
My trip to Europe has been engaging, exciting, and educational. From the first day to the port visit, the warehouse tour, and the working group discussions on legality — it has been an awesome experience.
My trip to Europe has been engaging, exciting, and educational. From the first day to the port visit, the warehouse tour, and the working group discussions on legality — it has been an awesome experience.
All pictures © Javier Bernal / GIZ
