BRUSSELS, 20 March 2026 – Sustainably managed forests and wood products can accelerate the transition to climate-neutral economies while strengthening rural development and industrial competitiveness. Europe cannot achieve its bioeconomy ambitions without a clear, science-based commitment to increasing the sustainable supply of wood and a policy approach that recognises market realities.

Forests are at the core of Europe’s bioeconomy, providing renewable resources that can replace carbon-intensive materials while supporting economic growth and employment, both in rural and urban areas.
Wood products play a crucial role in the transition to climate-neutral economies. In construction, wood stores carbon for decades while significantly reducing the climate footprint of buildings. As policymakers search for innovative ways to cut emissions, the answer is already growing in our forests: wood. Every time wood replaces a fossil-based material, emissions go down.
While circularity and efficient resource use are essential, the real strength of wood lies in its renewability. Unlike fossil-based materials, wood comes from naturally regenerating resources. Through sustainable forest management, forests continuously grow, absorb carbon and provide renewable materials for society.

To unlock the full potential of the forest-based bioeconomy, policies must recognise that healthy forests must also remain productive forests. Sustainable forest management and a predictable supply of renewable raw materials are essential to deliver climate benefits, innovation and long-term economic prosperity.
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On 19 March, speaking at the FAO event on “Forests and economies – sustainable production and bioeconomy pathway” celebrating the World Forest Day, Mrs Melegari, CEI-Bois and EOS Secretary General, stated that “Europe cannot achieve its bioeconomy ambitions without a clear, science-based commitment to increasing the sustainable supply of wood and a policy approach that recognises market realities. ”