Europe needs laws to stop import of deforestation-linked products, lawmakers say

FILE PHOTO: Belgium's new Prime Minister Alexander De Croo delivers his first speech during a plenary session of the Belgian Parliament, taking place at the European Parliament to respect the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) safety rules, in Brussels, Belgium October 1, 2020. REUTERS/Yves Herman

LONDON/BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The European Parliament on Thursday called for the European Union to introduce laws to prevent the import of commodities and products linked to deforestation and human rights abuses.

The move comes as EU politicians face increased pressure from voters to combat climate change, and follows years of failed voluntary efforts by companies to combat deforestation through measures like third-party certification schemes.