EUSTAFOR statement on the future of EU Climate Resilience

Forests are essential components of Europe’s climate resilience strategy. Beyond their well-known role in carbon sequestration, forests contribute to climate adaptation by regulating hydrological cycles, preventing soil erosion, buffering temperature extremes, and reducing the risk of floods, droughts, and heatwaves. These benefits are not abstract, they directly support the resilience of rural and urban communities, economic sectors such as agriculture, and critical infrastructure.

Climate resilience must become a guiding principle across EU forest policy. Forests are already buffering Europe from the impacts of climate change, but their ability to continue doing so is at risk. With the right support, Europe’s forests can become even stronger allies in our collective adaptation effort, delivering benefits for people, biodiversity, and the climate alike. EUSTAFOR and its members stand ready to contribute expertise, experience, and capacity to ensure the future Climate Resilience Integrated Framework places forests at the heart of a resilient Europe.