PALMOILMAGAZINE, NUSA DUA – The Secretary-General of the Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries (CPOPC), Izzana Salleh, underscored the need to rebuild strategic dialogue between palm-oil-producing nations and the European Union, particularly regarding the implementation of the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). Izzana delivered the statement during the Indonesia Palm Oil Conference (IPOC) 2025 and Price Outlook 2026 in Nusa Dua, Bali, on Thursday (13/11/2025).
According to Izzana, discussions on cooperation between producers and the EU have reached a critical stage. CPOPC, together with Indonesia and Malaysia, continues to work to ensure that the EUDR is not applied in a discriminatory manner and is understood fairly by all parties. “We see this as a very important period to discuss and finalize the direction of the EUDR. After that, we will continue the dialogue to reach a shared understanding on its implementation,” she told Palmoilmagazine.com on the sidelines of IPOC 2025.
She stressed that discussions must go beyond policy-level debates and address real-world implementation. Producer countries, she said, need clarity and realistic mechanisms that allow them to comply with the regulation without harming smallholders. “What matters is not just the regulation itself, but how it is implemented. We need to bridge the understanding between Brussels and producer countries to ensure the process runs smoothly and fairly,” Izzana added.
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Izzana highlighted that CPOPC remains committed to using bilateral forums to build effective communication channels with the EU. Platforms such as the Joint Task Force (JTF) between Indonesia, Malaysia, and the European Union are expected to strengthen constructive dialogue and accelerate the resolution of various technical issues. “With a collective voice, it becomes easier for us to find solutions. It’s better for us to move together as an industry rather than separately,” she emphasized.
She added that CPOPC is currently awaiting the EU’s latest decisions regarding the next stage of EUDR implementation. “We will soon know the direction of EU policy. We have just held our latest meeting, and the outcomes are now being reported to each member government,” she explained.
Izzana also highlighted the importance of social inclusion in sustainability policies. She stated that good policies must not marginalize key actors in the palm oil sector—especially smallholders, women, and youth. “Exclusive policies are not good policies. In Indonesia and Malaysia, the palm oil sector is the backbone of the economy, involving millions of farmers, including many women and young people. Sustainability policies must support economic empowerment, not exclusion,” she said.
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She added that CPOPC’s discussions with stakeholders—including trade associations and members of the European Parliament—are increasingly emphasizing inclusive sustainability values. “We want to ensure sustainability is not just about the environment, but also about social justice and the welfare of producing communities,” she concluded.
With this collaborative spirit, CPOPC hopes that relations between producer countries and the EU can shift from tension toward a mutually respectful partnership. For Izzana, the future of sustainable palm oil can only be realized if all parties are willing to listen and work together for the same goal—fair and inclusive sustainability for everyone. (P2)
