On 17 May, the Confederation of European Forest Owners (CEPF) participated in the Stakeholders Dialogue on the New EU Bioeconomy Strategy, chaired by European Commissioner Jessika Roswall. The dialogue brought together key voices from across the bioeconomy landscape to help shape the future direction of EU policy in this area.
Representing CEPF, Secretary General Fanny Pomme Langue highlighted the essential role that forests and forest owners play in the bioeconomy, and underlined the transformative potential of the bioeconomy for the forestry sector—strengthening forest owners’ motivation, enhancing their role in the value chain, and supporting diversified revenue streams.
Participants broadly recognised the need for the EU to maintain its global leadership in the bioeconomy by relying on its natural assets. Forests provide renewable resources, support rural livelihoods, and offer significant potential for climate action and biodiversity enhancement—all of which must be reflected in the EU’s strategic approach going forward.
In her intervention, Fanny Pomme Langue outlined key priorities for forest owners in the context of the bioeconomy, calling for:
- Greater support for wood products markets and increased recognition of the role of primary producers in forest-based value chains;
- Simplification and clarification of the EU’s forest-related policy and legal framework;
- Reliance on existing sustainable forest management systems, including certification schemes and national frameworks, rather than introducing overlapping requirements;
- A voluntary, market-based approach to payments for ecosystem services, including carbon and nature credits, aligned with principles of sustainable forest management.
CEPF remains committed to ensuring that the voice of forest owners is reflected in this process and that forests continue to be recognised as a key pillar of the EU bioeconomy.
