Tag: EU
-

National Forest Policies in the EU and Their Influence on Member States
The European Union (EU) doesn’t have a common forestry policy, leaving it primarily to national competence. However, the EU has established a European forest strategy that influences member states through various measures and funding. Here’s how national forest policies in the EU are shaped:
Key Influences:
- EU Forest Strategy for 2030: This strategy aims to adapt Europe’s forests to climate change, promote sustainable forest management, and improve forest resilience. It sets out to plant 3 billion additional trees by 2030 and promote sustainable forest management practices.
- Common Agricultural Policy (CAP): The CAP provides significant funding for forests, with around 90% of EU funding for forests coming from the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD). This funding supports forest management, reforestation, and forest protection measures.
- EU Biodiversity Strategy: This strategy aims to protect and restore forests, promoting biodiversity and ecosystem services. It includes targets for protected areas and restoration of degraded ecosystems.
Impact on Member States:
- National Forest Strategies: Member states develop their own national forest strategies, programs, and tools, which are influenced by EU policies and funding.
- Sustainable Forest Management: EU policies promote sustainable forest management practices, such as reforestation, forest protection, and sustainable wood harvesting.
- Forest Protection: EU policies, such as the EU Forest Strategy, aim to protect and restore forests, promoting biodiversity and ecosystem services.
Examples of EU Funding:
- EAFRD Funding: The EAFRD provides funding for forest management, reforestation, and forest protection measures in member states.
- LIFE Programme: The LIFE programme supports projects on closer-to-nature forestry practices, promoting biodiversity and ecosystem services.
- Horizon Europe: This programme funds research and innovation projects related to forests and sustainable forest management ¹ ².