From 16 to 18 June 2026, the city of Reims, France, hosted the annual General Assembly of the Confederation of European Forest Owners (CEPF). Generously organised by CEPF French member, FRANSYLVA, the event brought together representatives of private forest owners from across Europe for three days of dialogue, decision-making, knowledge exchange and celebration.
This year's General Assembly held a special significance as CEPF celebrated its 30th anniversary, marking three decades of representing and strengthening the voice of Europe's private forest owners at European level.
This year’s General Assembly was officially opened with welcoming words from CEPF President Sven-Erik Hammar and the President of FRANSYLVA, Antoine d'Amécourt.
Opening the General Assembly, CEPF President welcomed CEPF members, guests, former Presidents and Secretaries General, as well as representatives of organisations seeking to join the Confederation. Reflecting on CEPF's journey over the past thirty years, he highlighted the organisation's growth into a well-established and influential voice for family forestry in Europe.
In his opening address, the President underlined the rapidly evolving geopolitical and economic context facing Europe, emphasising that forests and the forest-based bioeconomy are essential to strengthening Europe's resilience, security and long-term competitiveness. Stressing that active and sustainable forest management is key to delivering renewable materials, climate benefits and healthy forests, he called for future EU policies to place the forest-based bioeconomy at their centre while reducing unnecessary administrative burdens for forest owners.
Throughout the Assembly, participants discussed key priorities for the European forestry sector, including climate adaptation, sustainable forest management practices, carbon initiatives and the evolving European policy landscape. Discussions focused on ensuring that future EU policies continue to recognise the multifunctional role of forests and the importance of active forest management in delivering environmental, economic and social benefits.
A particular highlight of this year's programme was the panel discussion celebrating CEPF's 30th anniversary. Bringing together former CEPF Presidents and Secretaries General, the session reflected on the organisation's development over the past three decades, the challenges it has successfully navigated, and the opportunities that lie ahead for both CEPF and Europe's private forest owners.
The General Assembly also marked a special moment for the CEPF community with the presentation of the insignia of Officier du Mérite Agricole to Luc Bouvarel by former French Minister of Agriculture Marc Fesneau. The distinction recognised Luc Bouvarel's outstanding contribution to forestry and his longstanding commitment to promoting the forest sector in France and across Europe.
During the Assembly, CEPF members elected three new members to the CEPF Board: Ildikó Dósa (MEGOSZ, Hungary), Tero Hemmilä (MTK, Finland) and Miljenko Županić (HSUPS, Croatia). CEPF warmly congratulates the newly elected Board members and looks forward to working closely with them in the years ahead.
The General Assembly also approved amendments to the CEPF Statutes, creating new membership opportunities that will further strengthen the Confederation and broaden its representation across Europe.
CEPF was delighted to welcome two new Associated Members to its network: Experts Forestiers de France and the Central Union of Swedish-speaking Agricultural Producers and Forest Owners (SLC). Their accession further reinforces CEPF's mission to represent the interests of private forest owners across Europe and strengthens cooperation within the European forestry community.
Beyond the formal programme, participants had the opportunity to strengthen professional ties during the social events organised throughout the Assembly. On the final day, a field excursion to the forests of the Marne region offered practical insights into forest management approaches, biodiversity conservation and climate adaptation, highlighting once again the diversity and resilience of Europe's forests.
CEPF extends its sincere gratitude to all members, participants, speakers and guests who contributed to the success of this anniversary General Assembly. Special thanks go to FRANSYLVA for its excellent organisation, generous hospitality and commitment to making this milestone event a memorable occasion.
As CEPF enters its fourth decade, the Confederation remains committed to representing the interests of Europe's private forest owners, promoting sustainable forest management and contributing to a strong, resilient and competitive forest-based bioeconomy for future generations.
