On 12 June 2025, forest sector stakeholders gathered in Brussels for a roundtable on The Role of Forests & Forestry in the Future EU Bioeconomy, organised by the Confederation of European Forest Owners (CEPF), the European State Forest Association (EUSTAFOR), the European Federation of Community Forests (FECOF), and the Union of European Foresters (UEF).
The event brought together representatives from forest owners and manager associations, policymakers, and relevant stakeholders to explore how forests can contribute to a more sustainable and resilient European bioeconomy.
In the context of rising geopolitical and environmental challenges, the EU’s shift towards a circular, fossil-free economy is gaining urgency. Forests and the forestry sector play a critical role in this transition—supplying renewable raw materials, supporting rural employment, contributing to climate mitigation, and promoting ecosystem resilience.
Discussions focused on key areas where forest-based solutions can deliver added value to the EU bioeconomy, including sustainable industrial transformation, skills development, and policy coherence.
The roundtable featured contributions from:
- Anna Papagrigoraki (CEPI), highlighting the role of sustainable industry in the bioeconomy;
- Nestor Domuschiev (Executive Forest Agency, Bulgaria), on advancing knowledge and skills for forest-based value chains;
- Michael Losch (European Commission), outlining upcoming priorities under the new EU Bioeconomy Strategy.
Participants underlined the importance of aligning bioeconomy ambitions with sustainable forest management and long-term investment in forest ecosystems.
The roundtable forms part of an ongoing dialogue between the forest sector and EU institutions. As the European Commission prepares its updated Bioeconomy Strategy, forest stakeholders reaffirm their commitment to supporting a green transition rooted in sustainable resource use, innovation, and strong rural economies.
