Work Programme 2025-2026 adopted at the Expert Level Meeting

During a well-attended Expert Level Meeting, the Work Programme for Forest Europe over the next two years was formally adopted. The meeting showed great commitment and engagement to the task of Forest Europe; to strengthen Sustainable Forest Management.

This important task during Sweden’s chairmanship is emphasized by the Swedish Minister for Rural Affairs, Peter Kullgren.

– I am pleased to inform you that the Work Programme was adopted at the Expert Level Meeting on 3 April, and we are off to a strong start to our chairmanship. I would like to thank all the Signatories and Observers for providing valuable input and for great cooperation. I am convinced that together we can continue to strengthen cooperation among our countries and international organizations to shape the future of forest policy and management, says Minister for Rural Affairs Peter Kullgren and continues:

– An important task during Sweden’s chairmanship is to ensure that Forest Europe continues to play a leading role in collecting voluntary data from Europe’s forests. Forest Europe has a crucial role in Europe’s forest monitoring and for national and international policy development. Improving data collection and understanding of the various uses of forests can contribute to ensuring a long-term sustainable increase in biomass.

The Work programme 2025-2026

In line with the Bonn Ministerial Declaration and building on the long-term vision for Forest Europe, the implementation of the Work Programme 2025-2026 reflects overarching political priorities on, among other things, climate change, mitigation and adaptation, biodiversity, protection, promoting a sustainable and circular bioeconomy and allowing flexibility regarding new and emerging issues.

Two main workstreams have been defined in the Work Programme 2025–2026:

• Workstream 1: A dynamic concept of Sustainable Forest Management in Europe
• Workstream 2: Keeping Forest Europe Fit for the Future. 

Attention will also be directed towards several areas of continued and emerging interest.

Download the Work Programme 2025-2026 here.

Photo cred,  Minister for Rural Affairs, Peter Kullgren: Frida Bramstedt