Brussels, 27/02/2008 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday 27 February, the European Commission adopted a communication to address the challenges facing forest-based industries, such as innovation, access to non-EU markets and high energy and transport costs. The communication is part of the Commission's integrated industrial policy, which consists of horizontal and sectoral measures.
“The forest-based industries are in the process of adapting towards a low-carbon economy. We should support them in this effort through a policy framework which allows this important sector to remain competitive, while contributing to our ambitious climate change and energy policies,” said Enterprise and Industry Policy Commissioner Günter Verheugen.
The Commission's 19-point plan in five different areas provides a coherent approach towards strengthening the competitive position of the forest-based industries in Europe, while amalgamating climate change objectives into industrial strategy.
Access to raw materials. Member states, industry and forest owners are encouraged to promote afforestation and reforestation and to give more attention to the different uses that can be made of the biomass when developing the national action plans. Sustainable forest management should be further encouraged. The development of markets and collection systems for recovered paper will be followed to further promote cost-efficient and good quality collection systems. To increase the recovery level for wood products, the Commission will launch a study identifying solutions.
Climate change policy and environment. The Commission will examine the advantages and challenges of including carbon storage in harvested wood products. Account must also be taken of new Community and international measures to combat climate change. Relevant sectors will be considered in the Commission assessment of the risk of carbon leakage in energy intensive industries.
Innovation. Within the EU 7th Framework Programme, methods for production of bio-fuels and bio-based chemicals from wood should be explored (and increased efficiency using new and recovered fibre and solid wood will be encouraged).
Trade. The Commission will continue its efforts to establish and implement a market access strategy, ensuring access to raw materials internationally and supporting the elimination of tariff and non-tariff barriers. To this end, a dialogue with interested third countries will be launched.
Information. Member states, regional authorities, academic and educational institutions will be invited to cooperate within multinational networks, in order to examine and ensure the follow-up of long-term changes in the forest-based industries.
The proposals have been subject to a public consultation and have been reviewed by the Advisory Committee on Community Policy regarding Forestry and Forest-based industries. (L.C.)