On Monday 14 October in Luxembourg, the majority of European Agriculture Ministers supported the new framework for action proposed by the European Commission designed to better combat global deforestation (see EUROPE 12302/1).
The objective of those measures proposed by the European Commission is to protect existing forest cover, in particular primary forest, and to increase global forest cover.
EU Environment Commissioner, Karmenu Vella, welcomed the positive comments from EU Agriculture Ministers regarding the Action Plan, which is structured around five key priorities. In December, the Agriculture Council will adopt conclusions evaluating the European Commission's communications on the fight against deforestation.
Many ministers (from Spain, Germany, France, Italy, Romania, Denmark and the Czech Republic, among others) have stressed the need to reduce or eliminate the demand for products linked to deforestation. The importance of including provisions in trade agreements with non-Member states prohibiting deforestation was emphasised by several delegations (Spain, France, Slovenia, Luxembourg, Bulgaria, Portugal, etc.)
France in particular has asked to develop vegetable proteins within the EU, in order to reduce dependence on imports and strengthen product traceability.
Italy has also requested adequate financial resources to achieve “a very high level of ambition” in the fight against deforestation. Germany stressed the need to achieve a supply chain that did not involve deforestation.
Germany, Poland and France also recommended certification measures regarding the final product. Italy spoke of "zero deforestation" sectors.
Denmark asked to address the issue of biofuels and renewable energies within this context.
Some delegations were more cautious in their approach. Belgium advocated a “balanced” approach to the implementation of the planned measures. Poland emphasised the implementation of voluntary measures and stressed that deforestation was not linked to the forestry industry.
Sweden asked to respect the prerogatives of Member States regarding forest management.
Slovakia, on the other hand, regretted that communications only referred to existing measures and not to new ones.
The Finnish Presidency of the Council of the EU concluded the debate by emphasising that “more ambitious” measures were needed in this area and that “most delegations support the measures” proposed by the European Commission.
The EU Forest Strategy after 2020. As part of a separate debate, several EU Agriculture Ministers considered that the EU's future forestry strategy should be aligned with that of the European Green Deal.
The Czech Republic presented to the EU Council a joint declaration from the Ministers of Agriculture of the Visegrad Group (Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia) and the Ministers of Bulgaria, Croatia and Slovenia regarding sustainable forest management and climate change adaptations.
Most EU Agriculture Ministers supported the establishment, after 2020, of a new EU strategy on forests; this was specifically down to climatic and health hazards, invasive species, and drought and fire problems. The sustainability of the forest-based sector was supported by several delegations, as was the circular bio-economy. Several Ministers also noted that forests help to fight climate change and maintain biodiversity. The current EU Forest Strategy expires in 2020. Germany recalled the need to respect the competences of the EU, as well as those of Member States. In its conclusions of April 2019, the Agriculture Council had already recognised the need for a new EU strategy on forests. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)