The role of the Civil Dialogue Group on Forestry and Cork is to assist the Commission in maintaining a regular dialogue on all matters related to forestry and cork, including the common agricultural policy, its implementation and new measures. Furthermore, it exchanges relevant experience and good practices, monitors relevant policy developments and advises the Commission on relevant policy and delivers opinions on request of the DG Agriculture or on their own initiative.

Mr Pedro Albizu, the candidate of the Confederation of European Paper Industries (CEPI) was re-elected for a second mandate as Vice-Chair and Mrs Anke Schulmeister, representing WWF, was elected as new Vice-Chair of the Civil Dialogue Group on Forestry and Cork. Mrs Linde Zuidema, representative of the European Environmental Bureau (EEB), stepped down from her position as Vice-Chair and was thanked for her devoted contribution to the Chairmanship during the past year.

CEPF will continue holding the CDG F&C secretariat service for the next term and look forward to continue the close collaboration with the Chairmanship.