On 16 November, Ministers adopted the Council conclusions on the EU forest-related policies and EU forest strategy post 2020, highlighting the significance of forests for climate protection and biodiversity. Several ministers explained that the EU forest strategy needs to be aligned with other relevant strategies such as the biodiversity strategy. Improving coordination in forest-related policies within the EU, as set out in the conclusions, was also supported broadly by ministers.

The conclusions also call on the commission to “promote and enhance” forestry’s “contribution to the EU-wide bio- and circular economy”, with an emphasis on the “multifunctional role of forests” in meeting numerous EU goals.

The Council conclusions on Perspectives for the EU forest-related policies and EU forest strategy post 2020 is available HERE.