EUSTAFOR Contribution to the European Climate Resilience and Risk Management – Integrated Framework

The European State Forest Association has published its official contribution accompanied by a statement on the future EU Climate Resilience Framework during the open consultation closed in February, setting out a clear vision for how forests and public forest managers must be positioned within Europe’s adaptation strategy.

The statement comes at a pivotal moment, as the European Union advances work on a more integrated and forward-looking approach to climate resilience. EUSTAFOR’s message is straightforward: resilient forests are essential to a resilient Europe,  and policy must reflect that reality.

A Strategic Moment

Through this statement, EUSTAFOR reinforces its role as a key stakeholder in sustainable forest management and as a constructive partner in shaping EU climate policy. Representing public forest managers across 29 European countries, the association brings on-the-ground expertise and long-term management experience to the European debate.

The publication outlines several strategic priorities:

• Recognising sustainably managed forests as critical natural infrastructure
• Ensuring active, professional forest management is supported as a cornerstone of adaptation
• Aligning climate, biodiversity, land-use and bioeconomy objectives
• Securing coherent and long-term EU funding for forest resilience
• Scaling up innovation, research, and cross-sector collaboration

Rather than treating forests as passive carbon sinks, EUSTAFOR calls for a policy framework that acknowledges their multifunctional role in protecting communities, supporting rural economies, and strengthening Europe’s capacity to withstand climate impacts.

Grounded in Practice

EUSTAFOR’s advocacy is built on concrete experience. Across Europe, public forest managers are already implementing adaptive measures in response to droughts, wildfires, storms, and pests. This practical expertise informs the association’s recommendations and demonstrates that resilience is achievable when supported by coherent policy and sustained investment.

By publishing this statement, EUSTAFOR ensures that these field-based insights contribute directly to the development of the EU’s future resilience framework.

As EU institutions move forward with legislative and strategic discussions, EUSTAFOR will continue engaging with policymakers, partners, and stakeholders to ensure forests are placed at the heart of Europe’s climate resilience agenda.

Forests are already delivering stability in an increasingly unstable climate. With the right political recognition and support, they can do even more.

EUSTAFOR and its members stand ready to contribute their expertise to building a climate-resilient Europe.

 

See all the future developments HERE