The European Sawmill Industry (EOS) is extremely pleased to see that our call for including forest-based products and bioeconomy in the framework of the Green Deal is now an integrated part of the European Parliament Green Deal Resolution (point 42). The European Parliament also requested Member States to “encourage the promotion of timber construction" (point 27 of the Resolution). Wood is the only renewable carbon neutral construction material. Wood products contribute to achieve a sustainable carbon neutral circular economy in three ways: 1. It substitutes energy-intensive materials 2. It stores carbon throughout its lifecycle 3. It has energy-efficiency benefits.

The European Parliament adopted on Wednesday (15 January 2020) its position on the European Green Deal, unveiled by Commission President von der Leyen in a plenary debate in December.  (The resolution was adopted with 482 votes for, 136 against and 95 abstentions).

The Members of the EU Parliament wants the upcoming Climate Law to include higher ambitions for the EU’s 2030 goal of emissions reductions (55% in 2030 compared to 1990, instead of “at least 50% towards 55%”, as proposed by the Commission). The EU should adopt these targets well in advance of the UN climate change conference in November, MEPs say. They also want an interim target for 2040 to ensure the EU is on track to reach climate neutrality in 2050.

Copy of the Resolution is available HERE