SAVE THE DATE: Reversing the decline in forest carbon removals by 2040: challenges and solutions

10 June 2025 from 9:30 to 12:30, Brussels, French Permanent Representation to the EU

Greenhouse gas emissions and removals by forests will play a critical role in achieving the EU’s climate targets. As part of the Fit for 55 package, the EU has set out an ambitious target of net greenhouse gas removals in the LULUCF sector of 310 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent in 2030. The discussion around the European Climate Law to include the 2040 climate target and the preparation of the post-2030 climate policy framework will assess the contribution of the natural carbon sink beyond 2030 and the policies and measures to deliver it.

Over the last ten years, the LULUCF sector has lost one third of its net removals, from -322 MtCO2eq in 2015 to around -200 MtCO2eq in 2023. While some differences exist from one country to another, one of the general main reasons explaining this declining trend is the degradation of European forests’ carbon removal capacities under the pressure of increasing climate change impacts. In order to reverse the decline of the natural sink, structural measures need to be implemented, such as renewing forests that are strongly affected by climate change, strengthening forest protection and restoration, improving sustainable forest management, adaptive afforestation, and preventing wildfires. While these measures are necessary, they are inherently contingent on specific geographical circumstances and deliver their full effects over different timeframes. These specificities and challenges have to be taken into account when designing a policy framework and supporting measures, with a view of reaching a collective EU ambition in a realistic and scientifically-based manner.

This high-level roundtable brings together actors who are directly involved in the implementation of sustainable forest policies contributing to the objectives of the European Climate Law and LULUCF Regulation. It provides an opportunity to exchange views, expertise and experience from the field, reflecting a variety of geographical circumstances while highlighting common challenges, to benefit an informed debate on the EU’s climate policies by 2040.

This event will be held under Chatham House Rule.

1^st panel – Forest carbon sinks in the face of climate change impacts: diagnosis of the current situation

Officials and experts involved in the implementation of sustainable forest policies and the LULUCF Regulation are invited to share assessments and experience on the state of play of forest carbon removals, as well as measures and good practices in place, and how the impact of climate change is adding a factor of complexity.

 2^nd panel – What ambition and possible solutions to restore the natural carbon sink by 2040?

Officials and experts involved in the preparation of the post-2030 climate/LULUCF targets and policy framework are invited to share views on the appropriate approach to reverse the decline of the natural sink by 2040 based on a collective ambition and pragmatic implementation.

Full program and agenda soon available here