EUSTAFOR Statement on the 2040 Climate Target – Reflections on LULUCF, Forest Sinks, and the Bioeconomy

In light of the recent communication from President von der Leyen to EU national leaders, European State Forest Association (EUSTAFOR) shares its statement on the role of forests and the forest-based sector in the EU’s 2040 climate target.

The statement explains the factors behind the challenges in achieving the EU’s current LULUCF objectives, such as natural disturbances and changing forest dynamics. It also outlines ways forward, including active forest management to maintain resilience, health, and vitality, enabling forests to sequester carbon and store it in harvested wood products to deliver long-term climate benefits. By combining these approaches, climate ambition can go hand in hand with forest resilience and sustainable rural development.

Our key messages:

• Europe’s forest sink is declining due to ageing stands, climate-related disturbances, and increased salvage logging. Sustainable management and rejuvenation are essential to maintain forest health and carbon storage capacity.

• LULUCF assumptions must be updated to reflect current forest dynamics and realistic projections, ensuring the EU’s climate targets remain credible.

• A strong bioeconomy offers dual climate benefits: storing carbon in long-lived wood products and replacing fossil- and energy-intensive materials.

EUSTAFOR calls for evidence-based, coherent policies that balance ambition with ecological and economic reality. Achieving climate neutrality will require healthy, resilient forests, active management, and innovation in wood-based solutions.

We stand ready to work with EU institutions and stakeholders to build a science-based, sustainable path to 2040 — one that strengthens forests, supports communities, and advances Europe’s climate goals.

You can read the full statement document HERE