Leading forest industry associations from the Nordic countries, the Baltic region and Austria have jointly called on European policymakers to adopt a more realistic and flexible climate framework for the land-use sector (LULUCF), arguing that future legislation should better reflect the realities of sustainable forest management while supporting Europe’s competitiveness and bioeconomy.
In a joint letter addressed to EU decision-makers, the organizations stress that reducing fossil fuel emissions must remain the primary focus of European climate policy, while recognising the essential role that sustainably managed forests and forest-based products play in replacing carbon-intensive materials.
“Phasing out fossil emissions is a key tool at the core of EU climate policy. To this end, Europe needs a resilient bioeconomy that also strengthens competitiveness by making full use of renewable, fossil-free raw materials from forests,” said Viveka Beckeman, Director General of the Swedish Forest Industries Federation.
According to the industry groups, fossil emissions within the European Union remain approximately fifteen times higher than the carbon sink generated by the land-use sector. They argue that greater climate benefits can be achieved by expanding the use of renewable forest-based materials in sectors such as construction, packaging and energy, helping replace fossil-based alternatives while supporting the transition to a circular economy.
The organizations propose that future LULUCF targets should become indicative rather than binding, allowing Member States to define objectives based on national circumstances, forest conditions and long-term projections. They argue that such an approach would provide greater flexibility for active forest management and long-term investments while avoiding legally binding targets influenced by unpredictable natural processes and climate-related factors beyond human control.
“A realistic and flexible framework for the land-use sector would allow Europe to deliver climate benefits while strengthening the bioeconomy and industrial competitiveness. That combination is essential for Europe’s long-term resilience and prosperity,” said Paula Lehtomäki, CEO of the Finnish Forest Industries.
The joint letter also highlights the importance of maintaining the Carbon Removal Certification Framework (CRCF) as a voluntary instrument. The associations warn against transforming the framework into mandatory obligations within future EU climate legislation.
According to the signatories, predictable, practical and science-based regulations are essential to provide long-term certainty for forest owners, businesses and investors, enabling continued investment in sustainable forestry while supporting Europe’s climate objectives and industrial competitiveness.
