### a. whereas the forestry sector is an essential contributor to achieving the eu target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55 % by 2030 , while also being a major source of biodiversity and playing an important role in the lives of communities; ### a. whereas the forestry sector is an essential contributor to achieving the eu target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55 % by 2030 and reaching climate neutrality by 2050 , while also being a major source of biodiversity , playing an important role in the lives of communities , and driving the transition towards a fossil-free economy;


### a. whereas the forestry sector is an essential contributor to achieving the eu target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55 % by 2030 , while also being a major source of biodiversity and playing an important role in the lives of communities; ### a. whereas the forestry sector is an essential contributor to achieving the eu target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55 % by 2030 , while also being a major source of biodiversity and playing an important role in the lives of communities , especially in rural areas where they provide important contributions to local livelihoods;


### a. whereas the forestry sector is an essential contributor to achieving the eu target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55 % by 2030 , while also being a major source of biodiversity and playing an important role in the lives of communities; ### a. whereas forests are an essential contributor to achieving the eu target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55 % by 2030 , while also being a major source of biodiversity and playing an important role in the lives of communities;


### a. whereas the eu has set the binding target of reaching climate neutrality by 2050; whereas the eu is committed to the un sustainable development goals and the paris agreement; whereas forests and forest-based industries will play a major role in achieving these sdgs and paris agreement targets; ### a. whereas the eu has set the binding target of reaching climate neutrality by 2050; whereas the eu is committed to the un sustainable development goals , the paris agreement and the un climate change conference (cop26) pledges; whereas forests and forest-based industries and services will play a major role in achieving these sdgs and paris agreement targets;


### a. whereas the eu has set the binding target of reaching climate neutrality by 2050; whereas the eu is committed to the un sustainable development goals and the paris agreement; whereas forests and forest-based industries will play a major role in achieving these sdgs and paris agreement targets; ### a. whereas the eu has set the binding target of reaching climate neutrality by 2050; whereas the eu is committed to the un sustainable development goals and the paris agreement; whereas forests and forest-based industries will play a major and irreplaceable role in achieving these sdgs and paris agreement targets;


### a. whereas the eu has set the binding target of reaching climate neutrality by 2050; whereas the eu is committed to the un sustainable development goals and the paris agreement; whereas forests and forest-based industries will play a major role in achieving these sdgs and paris agreement targets; ### a. whereas the eu has set the target of reaching climate neutrality by 2050; whereas the eu is committed to the un sustainable development goals and the paris agreement; whereas forests and forest-based industries will play a major role in achieving these sdgs and paris agreement targets;


### 1. recalls the eu’s responsibility in the protection , restoration and resilience of the world’s forests , which should prioritise proforestation in forest management as a strategy for increasing carbon sequestration and biodiversity benefits; ### 1. recalls the eu’s responsibility in the protection , restoration and resilience of the world’s forests , which should prioritise restoration , afforestation and resilience-building in sustainable forest management as a strategy for increasing carbon sequestration and biodiversity benefits; notes that sustainable forest management can play a key role in climate protection through a variety of measures and best practices;


### 1. welcomes the new eu forest strategy and its ambition to increase the balanced contribution of multi-functional forests to the targets of the green deal and of achieving a circular economy and climate neutrality by 2050; ### 1. welcomes the new eu forest strategy and its ambition to increase the balanced contribution of multi-functional forests to the targets of the green deal and of achieving a circular economy and climate neutrality by 2050; stresses that the eu's new forest strategy should at the same time ensure the right balance between the three pillars of sustainability - namely environmental protection , social development and economic development;


### 1. welcomes the new eu forest strategy and its ambition to increase the balanced contribution of multi-functional forests to the targets of the green deal and of achieving a circular economy and climate neutrality by 2050; ### 1. welcomes the new eu forest strategy; is concerned , however , that the strategy does not present a balanced view on the multifunctional role of forests with regard to the targets of the green deal and achieving a circular economy and climate neutrality by 2050;


### 2. recognises the multifunctional role of forests; stresses that policies that enhance biodiversity will help tackle climate change; calls on the eu to address the challenges and trade-offs resulting from the increasing demand for wood for materials , energy and the bioeconomy and the related rising risks of embodied deforestation imports , land grabbing , illegal logging and violation of indigenous peoples’ and local communities’ rights; ### 2. recognises the multifunctional role of forests; stresses that policies that enhance biodiversity will help tackle climate change; calls on the eu to address the challenges and trade-offs resulting from the increasing demand for wood for materials , energy and the bioeconomy and the related rising risks of embodied deforestation imports , land grabbing , illegal logging and violation of indigenous peoples’ and local communities’ rights;


### 2. recognises that the maintenance and protection of healthy and resilient forests is a fundamental goal of all actors in forestry and the forest-based value chain , as well a key priority for people in the eu; ### 2. recognises that in line with sustainable forest management the maintenance and strengthening of healthy and resilient forests is one of the fundamental goals of all actors in forestry and the forest-based value chain , as well a key priority for people in the eu;


### 2. recognises that the maintenance and protection of healthy and resilient forests is a fundamental goal of all actors in forestry and the forest-based value chain , as well a key priority for people in the eu; ### 2. recognises that the maintenance , protection and restoration of healthy and resilient forests is a fundamental goal of all actors in forestry and the forest-based value chain , as well a key priority for people in the eu;


### 3. is concerned by the increasing pressure on the eu’s forests and their habitats and stresses the urgent need to increase forest and ecosystem resilience; ### 3. is concerned by the increasing pressure on the eu’s forests and their habitats and stresses the urgent need to increase forest and ecosystem resilience in a proportional manner , taking into account the needs and characteristics of each member state;


### 3. is concerned by the increasing pressure on the eu’s forests and their habitats and stresses the urgent need to increase forest and ecosystem resilience; ### 3. is concerned by the increasing pressure on the eu’s forests and their habitats and stresses the urgent need to increase forest and ecosystem resilience and adaptive capacity to climate change;


### 3. is concerned by the increasing pressure on the eu’s forests and their habitats and stresses the urgent need to increase forest and ecosystem resilience; ### 3. is concerned by the quickly increasing climate related pressure on the eu’s forests and their habitats and stresses the urgent need to increase forest adaptation to climate change and ecosystem resilience;


### 3. is concerned by the increasing pressure on the eu’s forests and their habitats and stresses the urgent need to increase forest and ecosystem resilience; ### 3. is concerned by the increasing pressure on the eu’s forests and their habitats and stresses the urgent need to increase forest and ecosystem resilience and ability to adapt to climate change;


### 3. is concerned by the increasing pressure on the eu’s forests and their habitats and stresses the urgent need to increase forest and ecosystem resilience; ### 3. is concerned by the increasing pressure on some of the eu’s forests and their habitats and stresses the urgent need to increase forest and ecosystem resilience;


### 4. emphasises that the eu’s forests are characterised by diverse natural conditions , ownership patterns , forms of governance , challenges and opportunities , and that they have been formed by centuries of human intervention and management; ### 4. highlights the specificity and diversity of the forestry sectors in the member states and emphasises the fact that the eu’s forests are characterised by diverse natural conditions , ownership patterns , forms of governance , challenges and opportunities , and that they have been formed by centuries of human intervention and management , and that their exploitation must take into account the multiple functions they perform;


### 4. emphasises that the eu’s forests are characterised by diverse natural conditions , ownership patterns , forms of governance , challenges and opportunities , and that they have been formed by centuries of human intervention and management; ### 4. emphasises that the eu’s forests are characterised by diverse natural conditions , ownership patterns , forms of governance , challenges and opportunities , and that they have been formed by centuries of human intervention and management , intervention and management which are all the more necessary in the climate change environment we are experiencing;


### 4. emphasises that the eu’s forests are characterised by diverse natural conditions , ownership patterns , forms of governance , challenges and opportunities , and that they have been formed by centuries of human intervention and management; ### 4. emphasises that the eu’s forests are characterised by diverse natural conditions , ownership patterns , forms of governance , challenges and opportunities , and that they have been formed by centuries of human interaction , intervention and management;


### 5. recognises the complexity of assessing the state of forests , as well as the uneven availability and quality of data and therefore stresses the need for continuous policy and scientific dialogue at all levels to improve data collection and harmonisation; ### 5. recognises the complexity of assessing the state of forests , as well as the typically variable availability and quality of data , and therefore stresses the need for continuous policy and scientific dialogue at all levels , beginning with consultations with the member states and especially with forest owners and managers , to improve data quality , collection and harmonisation;


### 5. recognises the complexity of assessing the state of forests , as well as the uneven availability and quality of data and therefore stresses the need for continuous policy and scientific dialogue at all levels to improve data collection and harmonisation; ### 5. recognises the complexity of assessing the state of forests , given the diversity of data available and therefore stresses the need for continuous policy and scientific dialogue at all levels to improve data collection and if possible its harmonisation;


### 6. recalls that the sustainability chapters of trade agreements must contain binding and enforceable forest-specific , human rights and responsible business conduct provisions; ### 6. recalls that the sustainability chapters of trade agreements must contain binding and enforceable environment-related , human rights and responsible business conduct provisions;


### 6. underlines that the strategy must align with the work undertaken in international forums , such as forest europe and the food and agriculture organization , and should avoid duplicating work; further believes that , given the eu’s strong commitment to promoting the sustainable use of resources globally , the strategy should be implemented in such a way as to serve as a model of best practices; ### 6. underlines that the strategy must align with the work undertaken in international forums , such as forest europe and the food and agriculture organization , and should avoid duplicating work and the introduction of insufficiently mature and ill-defined concepts; further believes that , given the eu’s strong commitment to promoting the sustainable use of resources globally , the strategy should be implemented in such a way as to serve as a model of best practices with the flexibility called for by the diversity of points of departure;


### 6. underlines that the strategy must align with the work undertaken in international forums , such as forest europe and the food and agriculture organization , and should avoid duplicating work; further believes that , given the eu’s strong commitment to promoting the sustainable use of resources globally , the strategy should be implemented in such a way as to serve as a model of best practices; ### 6. underlines that the strategy must align with the work undertaken in international forums , such as forest europe and the food and agriculture organization , and should avoid duplicating work and leading to over-regulation; further believes that , given the eu’s strong commitment to promoting the sustainable use of resources globally , the strategy should be implemented in such a way as to serve as a model of best practices , while taking into account the specific local and regional nature of socio-economic impacts;


### 6. underlines that the strategy must align with the work undertaken in international forums , such as forest europe and the food and agriculture organization , and should avoid duplicating work; further believes that , given the eu’s strong commitment to promoting the sustainable use of resources globally , the strategy should be implemented in such a way as to serve as a model of best practices; ### 6. underlines that the strategy and its implementation must align with the work undertaken at pan-european level by forest europe and other international organisations , such as the food and agriculture organization , and should avoid duplicating work; further believes that , given the eu’s strong commitment to promoting the sustainable production and use of resources globally , the strategy should be implemented in such a way as to serve as a model of best practices;


### 6. underlines that the strategy must align with the work undertaken in international forums , such as forest europe and the food and agriculture organization , and should avoid duplicating work; further believes that , given the eu’s strong commitment to promoting the sustainable use of resources globally , the strategy should be implemented in such a way as to serve as a model of best practices; ### 6. underlines that the strategy must align with the work undertaken in international forums , such as forest europe and the food and agriculture organization , and should avoid duplicating work; further believes that , given the eu’s strong commitment to promoting the sustainable production and use of resources globally , the strategy should be implemented in such a way as to serve as a model of best practices;


### 7. stresses that to deliver on its various objectives , the implementation of the strategy must be fit-for-purpose at the regional and local levels , including by adapting the implementation to local conditions and experiences , and must be based on the full recognition of property rights and an economically viable forestry sector , as key contributors to providing forests’ various services and improving resilience; ### 7. stresses that to deliver on its various objectives , the implementation of the strategy must be fit-for-purpose and fine-tuned at the regional and local levels in terms of the socio-economic impacts it can create , including by adapting the implementation to local conditions and experiences , and must be based on the full recognition and protection of property rights and an economically , climatically and socially viable forestry sector , as key contributors to providing forests’ various services , their exploitation based on their functions , and improving resilience;


### 7. stresses that to deliver on its various objectives , the implementation of the strategy must be fit-for-purpose at the regional and local levels , including by adapting the implementation to local conditions and experiences , and must be based on the full recognition of property rights and an economically viable forestry sector , as key contributors to providing forests’ various services and improving resilience; ### 7. stresses that to deliver on its various objectives , the implementation of the strategy must be fit-for-purpose at the regional and local levels , including by adapting the implementation to local conditions and experiences , traditional knowledge and uses , and must be based on the full recognition of property rights and an economically viable forestry sector , as key contributors to providing forests’ various services and improving resilience;


### 13. takes note of the commission’s announcement on developing additional voluntary indicators and threshold values for sustainable forest management; underlines the need to align the commission’s work with that of forest europe and the food and agriculture organization , as well as to engage with the member states to ensure that indicators and value ranges are fit-for-purpose for their application at the local level under specific bio-geographic conditions; ### 13. takes note of the commission’s announcement on developing additional voluntary indicators and threshold values for sustainable forest management; underlines the need to align the commission’s work with that of forest europe and the food and agriculture organization , as well as to engage with the member states and forest owners and managers to ensure that indicators and value ranges are fit-for-purpose for their application at the local level under specific bio-geographic conditions; reminds that forest europe has set a think tank on sustainable forest management as part of the ongoing four-year working program and that any eu work related to this subject should be aligned with this ongoing work since the commission and all eu members states are among forest europe signatories;


### 13. takes note of the commission’s announcement on developing additional voluntary indicators and threshold values for sustainable forest management; underlines the need to align the commission’s work with that of forest europe and the food and agriculture organization , as well as to engage with the member states to ensure that indicators and value ranges are fit-for-purpose for their application at the local level under specific bio-geographic conditions; ### 13. takes note of the commission’s announcement on developing additional voluntary indicators and threshold values for sustainable forest management; highlights the fact that a definition of sustainable forest management was agreed as part of the pan-european forest europe process; notes that the definition has been incorporated into national legislation and voluntary systems , such as forest certifications , in place in the member states; and therefore underlines the need to align the commission’s work with that of forest europe and the food and agriculture organization , as well as to engage with the member states to ensure that indicators and value ranges are fit-for-purpose for their application at the local level under specific bio-geographic conditions;


### 13. takes note of the commission’s announcement on developing additional voluntary indicators and threshold values for sustainable forest management; underlines the need to align the commission’s work with that of forest europe and the food and agriculture organization , as well as to engage with the member states to ensure that indicators and value ranges are fit-for-purpose for their application at the local level under specific bio-geographic conditions; ### 13. takes note of the commission’s announcement on developing additional voluntary indicators and threshold values for sustainable forest management; underlines the need to align the commission’s work with that of forest europe and the food and agriculture organization , as well as to engage with the member states , including with forest owners and forest managers , to conduct an assessment of the existing sets of indicators and thresholds and ensure that indicators and value ranges are opportunity-based and fit-for-purpose for their application at the local and regional level under specific bio-geographic conditions;


### 13. takes note of the commission’s announcement on developing additional voluntary indicators and threshold values for sustainable forest management; underlines the need to align the commission’s work with that of forest europe and the food and agriculture organization , as well as to engage with the member states to ensure that indicators and value ranges are fit-for-purpose for their application at the local level under specific bio-geographic conditions; ### 13. takes note of the commission’s announcement on developing additional voluntary indicators and threshold values for sustainable forest management; underlines the need to align the commission’s work with that of forest europe and the food and agriculture organization , as well as to engage with the member states and foresters to ensure that indicators and value ranges are fit-for-purpose for their application at the local level under specific bio-geographic conditions;


### 14. highlights that pressure on forests from natural disasters and other disturbances is being increasingly intensified by climate change and that strengthening forests’ resilience is a matter of urgency; notes the role that restoration and afforestation can play in strengthening resilience and enhancing biodiversity; notes that sustainable forest management consists of a broad array of actions and adaptive practices , many of which can play a key role in climate mitigation; ### 14. highlights that pressure on forests from natural disasters and other disturbances is being increasingly intensified by climate change and that strengthening forests’ resilience is a matter of urgency; notes the role that restoration and afforestation can play in strengthening resilience and enhancing biodiversity; notes that sustainable forest management consists of a broad array of actions and adaptive practices , many of which can play a key role in climate mitigation; the member states’ varying forests and climate conditions require differentiated sustainable forest management practices , that should be developed nationally , regionally and locally.


### 14. highlights that pressure on forests from natural disasters and other disturbances is being increasingly intensified by climate change and that strengthening forests’ resilience is a matter of urgency; notes the role that restoration and afforestation can play in strengthening resilience and enhancing biodiversity; notes that sustainable forest management consists of a broad array of actions and adaptive practices , many of which can play a key role in climate mitigation; ### 14. highlights that pressure on forests from natural disasters and other disturbances is being increasingly intensified by climate change and that strengthening forests’ resilience through a greater deployment of sustainable management practices and innovative technologies , such as genetic improvement or adaptive forestry , as defined in the framework of forest europe , is a matter of urgency; notes the role that restoration and afforestation can play in strengthening resilience and enhancing biodiversity; notes that sustainable forest management consists of a broad array of actions and adaptive practices , many of which can play a key role in climate mitigation;


### 14. highlights that pressure on forests from natural disasters and other disturbances is being increasingly intensified by climate change and that strengthening forests’ resilience is a matter of urgency; notes the role that restoration and afforestation can play in strengthening resilience and enhancing biodiversity; notes that sustainable forest management consists of a broad array of actions and adaptive practices , many of which can play a key role in climate mitigation; ### 14. highlights that pressure on forests from natural disasters and other disturbances is being increasingly intensified by climate change and that strengthening forests’ resilience is a matter of urgency; notes the role that restoration , especially prestoration1a , and afforestation can play in strengthening resilience and enhancing biodiversity; notes that sustainable forest management consists of a broad array of actions and adaptive practices , many of which can play a key role in climate mitigation;


### 14. highlights that pressure on forests from natural disasters and other disturbances is being increasingly intensified by climate change and that strengthening forests’ resilience is a matter of urgency; notes the role that restoration and afforestation can play in strengthening resilience and enhancing biodiversity; notes that sustainable forest management consists of a broad array of actions and adaptive practices , many of which can play a key role in climate mitigation; ### 14. highlights that pressure on forests from natural disasters and other natural disturbances is being increasingly intensified by climate change and that strengthening forests’ adaption and resilience by active management is a matter of urgency; notes the role that restoration and afforestation can play in strengthening resilience and enhancing biodiversity; notes that sustainable forest management consists of a broad array of actions and adaptive practices , many of which play a key role in climate mitigation;


### 15. takes note of the ongoing work on guidance for ‘closer-to-nature’ forestry by the working group on forests and nature; believes that to ensure added value , guidance on this concept should incorporate results-oriented , scientifically and locally proven sustainable forest management practices to give managers the tools to yield connections and cooperation on better integrating biodiversity protection with improved management practices; ### 15. takes note of the ongoing work on guidance for ‘closer-to-nature’ forestry by the working group on forests and nature; believes that to ensure added value , guidance on this concept should incorporate results-oriented , scientifically proven sustainable forest management practices geared to local-level and regional-level needs , to give forest managers and forest owners the tools to yield connections and cooperation on better integrating biodiversity protection with improved management practices in a climate of bureaucratic flexibility;


### 15. takes note of the ongoing work on guidance for ‘closer-to-nature’ forestry by the working group on forests and nature; believes that to ensure added value , guidance on this concept should incorporate results-oriented , scientifically and locally proven sustainable forest management practices to give managers the tools to yield connections and cooperation on better integrating biodiversity protection with improved management practices; ### 15. takes note of the ongoing work on voluntary guidance for ‘closer-to-nature’ forestry by the working group on forests and nature; believes that to ensure added value , guidance on this concept should incorporate results-oriented , scientifically and locally proven sustainable forest management practices to give forest owners and managers the tools to yield connections and cooperation on better integrating biodiversity protection with improved management practices;


### 15. takes note of the ongoing work on guidance for ‘closer-to-nature’ forestry by the working group on forests and nature; believes that to ensure added value , guidance on this concept should incorporate results-oriented , scientifically and locally proven sustainable forest management practices to give managers the tools to yield connections and cooperation on better integrating biodiversity protection with improved management practices; ### 15. takes note of the ongoing work on guidance for ‘closer-to-nature’ forestry by the working group on forests and nature; believes that to ensure added value , guidance on this concept should incorporate results-oriented , scientifically and locally proven sustainable forest management practices to give forest owners and managers the tools to yield connections and cooperation on better integrating biodiversity protection with improved management practices;


### 16. reiterates its call for the protection of primary and old-growth forests and stresses the need to create a definition for what constitutes old-growth forests; welcomes the ongoing work of the working group on forests and nature and underlines the need to consider a diverse set of attributes and ensure flexibility to account for specific conditions in bio-geographic regions and forest types; ### 16. reiterates its call for the protection of primary and old-growth forests and stresses the need to create a definition for what constitutes old-growth forests; welcomes the ongoing work of the working group on forests and nature and underlines the need to consider a diverse set of attributes and ensure flexibility to account for specific conditions in bio-geographic regions and forest types; highlights the structural complexity in these forests1a , which provides a high variety of microhabitats2a essential for sustaining high biodiversity levels3a 3b , while old to ancient trees are vital to ensuring long-term forest adaptive capacity and resilience , having low mortality rates and bridging across centuries of different environmental conditions4a; points out that proforestation5a in old-growth and primary forests could be the most cost-effective and efficient way to accrue and enhance ecosystem services , including carbon accumulation.


### 16. reiterates its call for the protection of primary and old-growth forests and stresses the need to create a definition for what constitutes old-growth forests; welcomes the ongoing work of the working group on forests and nature and underlines the need to consider a diverse set of attributes and ensure flexibility to account for specific conditions in bio-geographic regions and forest types; ### 16. reiterates its call for the protection of primary and old-growth forests and stresses the need to set a commonly agreed definition for what constitutes old-growth forests with members states and forest owners and managers before any designation; welcomes the ongoing work of the working group on forests and nature and underlines the need to consider a diverse set of attributes and ensure flexibility to account for specific conditions in bio-geographic regions and forest types; stresses the need to duly respect the ”prior and informed consent” principle in the process of designation for protection;


### 16. reiterates its call for the protection of primary and old-growth forests and stresses the need to create a definition for what constitutes old-growth forests; welcomes the ongoing work of the working group on forests and nature and underlines the need to consider a diverse set of attributes and ensure flexibility to account for specific conditions in bio-geographic regions and forest types; ### 16. reiterates its call for the protection and further research of primary and old-growth forests and stresses that the member states should create a definition for what constitutes old-growth forests; underlines the need to consider a diverse set of attributes and ensure flexibility to account for specific conditions in bio-geographic regions and forest types;


### 16. reiterates its call for the protection of primary and old-growth forests and stresses the need to create a definition for what constitutes old-growth forests; welcomes the ongoing work of the working group on forests and nature and underlines the need to consider a diverse set of attributes and ensure flexibility to account for specific conditions in bio-geographic regions and forest types; ### 16. reiterates its call for the protection of primary and old-growth forests and stresses the need to finalise the process of defining these two notions; welcomes the ongoing work of the working group on forests and nature and underlines the need to consider a diverse set of attributes and ensure flexibility to account for specific conditions in bio-geographic regions and forest types;


### 17. notes that the european agricultural fund for rural development is the main source of support for forestry measures; further notes that between 2014 and 2020 , member states only spent 49 % of the available funds , and that the commission has identified administrative burden , insufficient attractiveness of the premiums and a lack of advisory services as reasons for this low usage; ### 17. notes that the european agricultural fund for rural development is the main source of support for forestry measures; further notes that between 2014 and 2020 , member states only spent 49 % of the available funds , and that the commission has identified administrative burden , insufficient attractiveness of the premiums and a lack of advisory services as reasons for this low usage and that this should be taken into account when adopting the new cap strategic plans; highlights the need to include concrete and attractive interventions and measures to enhance sustainable forest management and the multifunctional role of forests in eu in the cap strategic plans;


### 17. notes that the european agricultural fund for rural development is the main source of support for forestry measures; further notes that between 2014 and 2020 , member states only spent 49 % of the available funds , and that the commission has identified administrative burden , insufficient attractiveness of the premiums and a lack of advisory services as reasons for this low usage; ### 17. notes that the european agricultural fund for rural development is the main source of support for forestry measures characterised by a high flexibility of the spending allocation for member states and a lack of a harmonised minimum benchmark for funding towards forestry measures; further notes that between 2014 and 2020 , member states only spent 49 % of the available funds , and that the commission has identified administrative burden , insufficient attractiveness of the premiums and a dearth of advisory services as reasons for this low usage; calls on the commission to establish a new dedicated forestry fund;


### 17. notes that the european agricultural fund for rural development is the main source of support for forestry measures; further notes that between 2014 and 2020 , member states only spent 49 % of the available funds , and that the commission has identified administrative burden , insufficient attractiveness of the premiums and a lack of advisory services as reasons for this low usage; ### 17. notes that the european agricultural fund for rural development is the main source of support for forestry measures; further notes that between 2014 and 2020 , member states only spent 49 % of the available funds , and that the commission has identified administrative burden , insufficient attractiveness of the premiums and a lack of advisory services as reasons for this low usage; calls on the member states to remove administrative burdens in order to make the use of the european agricultural fund for rural development efficient;


### 18. points out that the forestry sector operates primarily as a market-based sector; stresses that putting a stronger emphasis on other ecosystem services should not lead to an increased dependency on subsidies and encourages the commission and member states to further pursue the development of market-based payment for ecosystem services schemes , such as carbon farming; ### 18. points out that the forestry sector operates primarily as a market-based sector; stresses that putting a stronger emphasis on other ecosystem services should not lead to an increased dependency on subsidies and encourages the commission and member states to further pursue the development of market-based payment for ecosystem services schemes , such as carbon farming , taking into account that cap-funding must mainly remain targeted for food production and ensuring food security in the union.


### 18. points out that the forestry sector operates primarily as a market-based sector; stresses that putting a stronger emphasis on other ecosystem services should not lead to an increased dependency on subsidies and encourages the commission and member states to further pursue the development of market-based payment for ecosystem services schemes , such as carbon farming; ### 18. points out that the forestry sector operates primarily as a market-based sector; stresses that putting a stronger emphasis on other ecosystem services should not lead to an increased dependency on subsidies and encourages the commission and member states to further pursue the development of market-based payment for ecosystem services schemes , such as carbon farming , the promotion of biodiversity , soil protection and water management;


### 18. points out that the forestry sector operates primarily as a market-based sector; stresses that putting a stronger emphasis on other ecosystem services should not lead to an increased dependency on subsidies and encourages the commission and member states to further pursue the development of market-based payment for ecosystem services schemes , such as carbon farming; ### 18. points out that the forestry sector operates primarily as a market-based sector; stresses that putting a stronger emphasis on other ecosystem services should not lead to an increased dependency on subsidies and supports the commission and member states to further pursue the development of voluntary market-based payment for ecosystem services schemes , such as carbon farming;


### 19. acknowledges the important contribution of existing certification schemes to the further uptake of sustainable forest management; takes note of the commission’s announcement on developing a ‘closer-to-nature’ certification scheme; encourages the commission to cooperate with existing certification schemes and believes that to create added value , the certification must offer foresters a price premium for the provision of ecosystem services; ### 19. acknowledges the important contribution of existing certification schemes to the further uptake of sustainable forest management; takes note of the commission’s announcement on developing a ‘closer-to-nature’ certification scheme; stresses that efforts should be made to improve existing certification schemes; encourages the commission to cooperate with existing certification schemes and believes that to create added value , the certification must offer foresters a price premium for the provision of ecosystem services;


### 19. acknowledges the important contribution of existing certification schemes to the further uptake of sustainable forest management; takes note of the commission’s announcement on developing a ‘closer-to-nature’ certification scheme; encourages the commission to cooperate with existing certification schemes and believes that to create added value , the certification must offer foresters a price premium for the provision of ecosystem services; ### 19. acknowledges the important contribution of existing certification schemes to the further uptake of sustainable forest management; takes note of the commission’s announcement on developing a voluntary ‘closer-to-nature’ certification scheme; encourages the commission to cooperate with existing certification schemes and believes that to create added value , the voluntary certification must offer forest owners a sufficient price premium for the provision of ecosystem services;


### 19. acknowledges the important contribution of existing certification schemes to the further uptake of sustainable forest management; takes note of the commission’s announcement on developing a ‘closer-to-nature’ certification scheme; encourages the commission to cooperate with existing certification schemes and believes that to create added value , the certification must offer foresters a price premium for the provision of ecosystem services; ### 19. acknowledges the important contribution of existing market-driven certification schemes to the further uptake of sustainable forest management; relies on consumer demand and preferences to shape the development on these schemes also in the future; encourages the commission to cooperate with existing certification schemes and believes that to create added value , the certification must offer foresters a price premium for the provision of ecosystem services;


### 19. acknowledges the important contribution of existing certification schemes to the further uptake of sustainable forest management; takes note of the commission’s announcement on developing a ‘closer-to-nature’ certification scheme; encourages the commission to cooperate with existing certification schemes and believes that to create added value , the certification must offer foresters a price premium for the provision of ecosystem services; ### 19. acknowledges the important contribution of existing certification schemes to the further uptake of sustainable forest management; takes note of the commission’s announcement on developing a ‘closer-to-nature’ certification scheme; encourages the commission to cooperate with existing certification schemes and believes that to create added value , the voluntary certification must offer foresters a price premium for the provision of ecosystem services;


### 20. highlights that to unlock the full potential of forests to contribute to climate and circular economy targets , further research and development in the field of bio-based alternatives to fossil-based products are required and should be incentivised; underlines that a predictable regulatory environment is a precondition to attracting investments; ### 20. highlights that to unlock the full potential of forests to contribute to climate and circular economy targets , further research and development in the field of bio-based alternatives to fossil-based products are required and should be incentivised; underlines that a predictable regulatory environment is a precondition to attracting investments; encourages to continue supporting innovations related to wood , such as wood-based textiles that have high potential to substitute synthetic textile fibres and cotton.


### 20. highlights that to unlock the full potential of forests to contribute to climate and circular economy targets , further research and development in the field of bio-based alternatives to fossil-based products are required and should be incentivised; underlines that a predictable regulatory environment is a precondition to attracting investments; ### 20. highlights that to unlock the full potential of forests to contribute to climate and circular economy targets , further research , innovation and development in the field of forest management , in particular adaptation to climate change and bio-based alternatives to fossil-based products are required and should be incentivised; underlines that a predictable and stable regulatory environment is a precondition to attracting investments;


### 22. stresses that the implementation of the strategy must focus on enabling small-holders to deliver on the multiple forest functions and calls on the commission and the member states to ensure that support programmes , payment for ecosystem services schemes and research funding are attractive and easily accessible; ### 22. stresses that the implementation of the strategy must focus on enabling small-holders to continue delivering on the multiple forest functions and calls on the commission and the member states to ensure that support programmes , voluntary payment for ecosystem services schemes and research funding are attractive and easily accessible;


### 22. stresses that the implementation of the strategy must focus on enabling small-holders to deliver on the multiple forest functions and calls on the commission and the member states to ensure that support programmes , payment for ecosystem services schemes and research funding are attractive and easily accessible; ### 22. stresses that the implementation of the strategy must focus on enabling small-holders to deliver on the multiple forest functions and calls on the commission and the member states to ensure that support programmes , payment for ecosystem services schemes and research funding are attractive understandable and easily accessible;


### 23. underlines the importance of the forestry sector as a provider of jobs in rural communities and notes with concern the steady decline in employment and the high number of accidents in the sector; calls on the commission and the member states to monitor the effects of measures taken under the strategy on employment and work safety and highlights the importance of making this type of employment attractive , taking measures to increase the safety of work and adequately training workers; ### 23. underlines the importance of the forestry sector as a provider of jobs in rural communities and notes with concern the steady decline in employment and the high number of accidents in the sector; calls on the commission and the member states to monitor the effects of measures taken under the strategy on employment and work safety and highlights the importance of making this type of employment attractive , taking measures to increase the safety of work and adequately training workers , and to support the modernisation of forestry equipment and tools;


### 24. stresses the importance of accurate , integrated and up-to-date data on europe’s forests and takes note of the initiative for a legislative proposal for a framework on forest observation , reporting and data collection; underlines that the broad availability , high quality and transparency of data are preconditions to meeting the goals of the strategy and believes that to deliver added value the framework must build on existing mechanisms and processes through a bottom-up approach to best use the expertise and experience present in the member states; ### 24. stresses the importance of accurate , integrated and up-to-date data on europe’s forests and takes note of the initiative for a legislative proposal for a framework on forest observation , reporting and data collection; reminds that the data must be collected from local actors; underlines that the broad availability , high quality and transparency of data are preconditions to meeting the goals of the strategy and believes that to deliver added value the framework must build on existing mechanisms and processes through a bottom-up approach to best use the expertise and experience present in the member states;


### 24. stresses the importance of accurate , integrated and up-to-date data on europe’s forests and takes note of the initiative for a legislative proposal for a framework on forest observation , reporting and data collection; underlines that the broad availability , high quality and transparency of data are preconditions to meeting the goals of the strategy and believes that to deliver added value the framework must build on existing mechanisms and processes through a bottom-up approach to best use the expertise and experience present in the member states; ### 24. stresses the importance of accurate , qualitative , integrated and up-to-date data on europe’s forests and takes note of the initiative for a legislative proposal for a framework on forest observation , reporting and data collection; underlines that the broad availability , high quality and transparency of data are preconditions to meeting the goals of the strategy and believes that to deliver real added value the framework must build on existing mechanisms and processes through a bottom-up approach to best use the expertise and experience present in the member states;


### 25. believes that in order to ensure the availability of high-quality data , remote sensing technologies must be combined with data acquired by ground-based monitoring and must be interpreted in close cooperation with local experts; ### 25. believes that in order to ensure the availability of high-quality data , remote sensing technologies must be combined and proof checked with data acquired by ground-based monitoring and must be interpreted in close cooperation with local experts and that eu legislation should be based in situ on national and regional forest inventories and should encompass appropriate financial means to get access to data and to contribute to their acquisition;


### 26. takes note of the idea to introduce strategic plans for forests under the framework on forest observation , reporting and data collection; further notes that several member states already have national strategies for forests in place; ### 26. takes note of the idea to introduce strategic plans for forests under the framework on forest observation , reporting and data collection; further notes that several member states already have national strategies for forests in place and that this proposal could increase administrative burden and costs; highlights that the ultimate goal and need of preparing such plans should be clarified; stresses that such plans must remain under the entire decision making of members states or competent regional authorities;


### 26. takes note of the idea to introduce strategic plans for forests under the framework on forest observation , reporting and data collection; further notes that several member states already have national strategies for forests in place; ### 26. takes note of the idea to introduce strategic plans for forests under the framework on forest observation , reporting and data collection; further notes that several member states already have national strategies for forests in place calls on the commission to give priority to the existing national strategies over strategic plans on eu level.


### 26. takes note of the idea to introduce strategic plans for forests under the framework on forest observation , reporting and data collection; further notes that several member states already have national strategies for forests in place; ### 26. takes note of the idea to introduce strategic plans for forests under the framework on forest observation , reporting and data collection; further notes that several member states already have national strategies for forests in place and emphasises that care must be taken to respect the limits of eu competence in forest matters;


### 27. believes that due to the multi-functional contribution of forests to high-level eu goals and the different administrative levels and stakeholder groups involved , the cornerstones of the strategy’s implementation must be close cooperation and the exchange of best practices with national and regional experts , stakeholders , forest managers , scientists and civil society; underlines that governance must take eu and member state engagement in international processes into account; ### 27. believes that due to the multi-functional contribution of forests to high-level eu goals and the different administrative levels and stakeholder groups involved , the cornerstones of the strategy’s implementation must be close cooperation and the exchange of best practices with national and regional experts , stakeholders , forest managers , scientists and civil society; underlines that governance must take eu and member state engagement in international processes into account; reminds that forests should not only be considered as co2 sinks and thereby reducing other sectors' contribution in minimising their emissions.


### 27. believes that due to the multi-functional contribution of forests to high-level eu goals and the different administrative levels and stakeholder groups involved , the cornerstones of the strategy’s implementation must be close cooperation and the exchange of best practices with national and regional experts , stakeholders , forest managers , scientists and civil society; underlines that governance must take eu and member state engagement in international processes into account; ### 27. believes that due to the multi-functional contribution of forests to high-level eu goals and the different administrative levels and stakeholder groups involved , the cornerstones of the strategy’s implementation must be close cooperation and the exchange of best practices with national and regional experts , stakeholders , forest owners and managers , scientists and civil society; underlines that governance must take eu and member state engagement in international processes into account;


### 28. highlights the importance of the standing forestry committee as a forum for discussing eu policies that impact the forestry sector; believes that to achieve policy alignment , the commission should increase dialogue between the standing forestry committee and other expert groups; ### 28. highlights the importance of the standing forestry committee as the main forum for discussing eu policies that impact the forestry sector; believes that to achieve policy coherence , the commission should increase dialogue between the standing forestry committee and other expert groups;


### 29. notes the extensive overlap among policies and legislation that impact forests and the forestry sector and stresses the importance of aligning them; ### 29. notes the extensive overlap among policies and legislation that cause legislative fragmentation and impact forests and the forestry sector and stresses the importance of aligning them;


### 29. notes the extensive overlap among policies and legislation that impact forests and the forestry sector and stresses the importance of aligning them; ### 29. notes the extensive overlap and sometimes contradicting objectives among policies and legislation that impact forests and the forestry sector and stresses the importance of coherence;


### 30. expresses its concern about reports of illegal logging and calls on the commission and the member states to increase their efforts to effectively implement relevant national and eu legislation; ### 30. expresses its concern about the global problems of illegal logging and land use change and calls on the commission and the member states to increase their efforts to effectively implement relevant national and eu legislation;


### b. whereas the tfeu makes no reference to a common eu forest policy; whereas article 4 tfeu provides for a shared competence on environmental policy; whereas due to the specific diversity of the eu’s forests with regard to bio-geography , structure , size , biodiversity and ownership patterns , where environmental policy touches upon forests , it is necessary to duly apply the principle of subsidiarity and proportionality in the development and implementation of the new eu forest strategy (the strategy) and relevant eu legislation; ### b. whereas the tfeu makes no reference to a common eu forest policy and therefore forest policy remains at member states' competence; whereas article 4 tfeu provides for a shared competence on environmental policy; whereas due to the extremely high diversity of the eu’s forests with regard to bio-geography , structure , size , biodiversity and ownership patterns , where environmental policy touches upon forests , it is necessary to duly apply the principle of subsidiarity and proportionality in the development and implementation of the new eu forest strategy (the strategy) and relevant eu legislation;


### d. whereas about 60 % of the eu’s forests are owned by 16 million private forest owners , of whom a significant share are small-holders; whereas involving and motivating these owners through a comprehensive policy and legislative framework , based on the recognition of their property rights , experience as managers and specific challenges , will be key to achieving the strategy’s targets , including the provision of climate and other ecosystem services; ### d. whereas about 60 % of the eu’s forests are owned by 16 million private forest owners , of whom a significant share are small-holders; whereas involving , supporting and encouraging , not penalising , these owners through a comprehensive policy and legislative framework , based on the recognition of their property rights , experience as managers and specific challenges , will be key to achieving the strategy’s targets , including the provision of climate and other ecosystem services; whereas it is important , in this regard , to ensure that this framework is clear , transparent and does not introduce excessive red tape;


### d. whereas about 60 % of the eu’s forests are owned by 16 million private forest owners , of whom a significant share are small-holders; whereas involving and motivating these owners through a comprehensive policy and legislative framework , based on the recognition of their property rights , experience as managers and specific challenges , will be key to achieving the strategy’s targets , including the provision of climate and other ecosystem services; ### d. whereas about 60 % of the eu’s forests are owned by 16 million private forest owners , of whom a significant share are small-holders; whereas involving and motivating these owners through a comprehensive policy and legislative framework characterised by legal certainty , based on the recognition and protection of their property rights , their experience as managers and specific challenges , will be key to achieving the strategy’s targets , including exploiting the social and economic role of forests and the provision of climate and other ecosystem services;


### d. whereas about 60 % of the eu’s forests are owned by 16 million private forest owners , of whom a significant share are small-holders; whereas involving and motivating these owners through a comprehensive policy and legislative framework , based on the recognition of their property rights , experience as managers and specific challenges , will be key to achieving the strategy’s targets , including the provision of climate and other ecosystem services; ### d. whereas about 60 % of the eu’s forests are owned by 16 million private forest owners , of whom a significant share are small-holders; whereas involving and motivating these owners through a comprehensive policy and legislative framework , based on the recognition of their property rights , experience as managers and specific challenges , and of the importance of the revenue generated through their activity as forest managers , will be key to achieving the strategy’s targets , including the provision of climate and other ecosystem services;


### d. whereas about 60 % of the eu’s forests are owned by 16 million private forest owners , of whom a significant share are small-holders; whereas involving and motivating these owners through a comprehensive policy and legislative framework , based on the recognition of their property rights , experience as managers and specific challenges , will be key to achieving the strategy’s targets , including the provision of climate and other ecosystem services; ### d. whereas about 60 % of the eu’s forests are owned by 16 million private forest owners , of whom a significant share are small-holders; whereas involving and motivating these owners through a comprehensive policy and legislative framework , based on the recognition of their property rights , experience as managers and specific challenges , will be key to achieving the strategy’s targets , including the provision of climate and other ecosystem services; emphasizes the need to avoid administrational burden on all actors.


### e. whereas most recent data gathered under article 17 of the habitats directive indicates that only 49 % of forests habitats have a good conservation status; whereas focusing solely on aggregated data might be insufficient to identify and address key information on the most urgent issues and it is therefore necessary to consult more specific indicators on trends in condition and pressures; whereas these indicators do not support an overall negative assessment of the state of the eu’s forests , but show both positive and negative trends that require nuanced responses; ### e. whereas most recent data gathered under article 17 of the habitats directive indicates that only 49 % of forests habitats have a good conservation status; whereas focusing solely on aggregated data might be insufficient to identify and address key information on the most urgent issues and it is therefore necessary to consult more specific indicators especially created by forest europe , on trends in condition and pressures; whereas these indicators do not support an overall negative assessment of the state of the eu’s forests , but show both positive and negative trends that require nuanced responses;


### e. whereas most recent data gathered under article 17 of the habitats directive indicates that only 49 % of forests habitats have a good conservation status; whereas focusing solely on aggregated data might be insufficient to identify and address key information on the most urgent issues and it is therefore necessary to consult more specific indicators on trends in condition and pressures; whereas these indicators do not support an overall negative assessment of the state of the eu’s forests , but show both positive and negative trends that require nuanced responses; ### e. whereas most recent data gathered under article 17 of the habitats directive indicates that 20 % of forests habitats are not in good conditions and need to be improved; whereas focusing solely on aggregated data might be insufficient to identify and address key information on the most urgent issues and it is therefore necessary to consult more specific indicators on trends in condition and pressures; whereas these indicators do not support an overall negative assessment of the state of the eu’s forests , but show both positive and negative trends that require nuanced responses;


### 8. recognises the key role of forests in protecting the climate and biodiversity; underlines that the multi-functional role of forests comprises multiple socioeconomic functions , such as the provision of raw materials , which leads to jobs and economic growth in rural areas , the provision of clean water and air , protection against natural hazards and recreational value; stresses that the implementation of the strategy must ensure a balanced provision of all services and maintain competitiveness and innovation; underlines that the successful provision of services requires sustainable active management; ### 8. recognises the key role of forests in protecting the climate and biodiversity; underlines that the multi-functional role of forests comprises multiple socioeconomic functions , such as tourism or the provision of raw materials , medicinal , edible and culinary products , which lead to jobs and economic growth in rural areas , the provision of clean water and air , nutrient cycling , climate regulation , protection against natural hazards and recreational value; stresses that the implementation of the strategy must ensure a balanced provision of all services and maintain competitiveness and innovation; underlines that the successful provision of services requires sustainable management;


### 8. recognises the key role of forests in protecting the climate and biodiversity; underlines that the multi-functional role of forests comprises multiple socioeconomic functions , such as the provision of raw materials , which leads to jobs and economic growth in rural areas , the provision of clean water and air , protection against natural hazards and recreational value; stresses that the implementation of the strategy must ensure a balanced provision of all services and maintain competitiveness and innovation; underlines that the successful provision of services requires sustainable active management; ### 8. underlines that the multi-functional role of forests comprises multiple socioeconomic , climate and environmental functions , such as the conservation of biodiversity , climate change mitigation and provision of renewable raw materials , which leads to jobs and economic growth in rural areas , the provision of clean water and air , protection against natural hazards and recreational value; stresses that the implementation of the strategy must ensure a balanced provision of all services and maintain and enhance competitiveness and innovation; underlines that the successful provision of services requires sustainable active management;


### 9. stresses that forests contribute to climate change mitigation via carbon sequestration , carbon storage and the substitution of wood and wood products for fossil fuels and derived products; notes that the strategy has a particular focus on storage in the construction sector and believes its implementation should support a broader use of different options for substitution , in line with the goals of the bioeconomy strategy; ### 9. stresses that forests contribute to climate change mitigation via carbon sequestration , carbon storage and the substitution of wood and wood products for fossil fuels and derived products; notes that the strategy has a particular focus on storage in the construction sector and believes its implementation should support a broader use of different options for substitution , in line with the goals of the bioeconomy strategy without minimising the value of products with a much shorter life cycle but which are highly significant for the replacement of fossil-based products;


### 9. stresses that forests contribute to climate change mitigation via carbon sequestration , carbon storage and the substitution of wood and wood products for fossil fuels and derived products; notes that the strategy has a particular focus on storage in the construction sector and believes its implementation should support a broader use of different options for substitution , in line with the goals of the bioeconomy strategy; ### 9. stresses that forests contribute to climate change mitigation via carbon sequestration , carbon storage and the substitution of fossil resources by wood and wood products; notes that on substitution the strategy has a particular focus on storage in the construction sector and believes its implementation should support a broader use of different options for substitution , including short-lived wood products , in line with the goals of the eu climate policy , the eu bioeconomy strategy and the reality of forest management;


### 9. stresses that forests contribute to climate change mitigation via carbon sequestration , carbon storage and the substitution of wood and wood products for fossil fuels and derived products; notes that the strategy has a particular focus on storage in the construction sector and believes its implementation should support a broader use of different options for substitution , in line with the goals of the bioeconomy strategy; ### 9. stresses that forests contribute to climate change mitigation via carbon sequestration , carbon storage and the substitution of wood and all wood products for fossil fuels and derived products; notes that the strategy has a particular focus on storage in the construction sector and believes its implementation should support a broader use of different options for substitution , in line with the goals of the bioeconomy strategy; emphasizes the role of research on substitution of fossil-based materials and fossil fuels.


### 10. highlights that for wood-based products to contribute optimally to climate change mitigation and a circular economy requires that they be used in the most efficient and sustainable way; believes that the cascading principle8 is a good guideline for efficient use , but must not use a static approach and therefore must be adjusted regularly to reflect innovative uses; stresses that a well-functioning , un-distorted market incentivises the efficient use of wood-based resources; ### 10. highlights that for wood-based products to contribute optimally to climate change mitigation and a circular economy requires that they be used in the most efficient and sustainable way; stresses that a well-functioning , un-distorted market incentivises the efficient use of wood-based resources;


### 10. highlights that for wood-based products to contribute optimally to climate change mitigation and a circular economy requires that they be used in the most efficient and sustainable way; believes that the cascading principle8is a good guideline for efficient use , but must not use a static approach and therefore must be adjusted regularly to reflect innovative uses; stresses that a well-functioning , un-distorted market incentivises the efficient use of wood-based resources; ### 10. highlights that for wood-based products to contribute optimally to climate change mitigation and a circular economy requires that they be used in the most efficient and sustainable way; believes that the cascading principle8 could be a good guideline for efficient use , but must not use a static approach and therefore must be adjusted regularly to reflect innovative uses; recalls , however , that the cascading principle may only come into play if the market presents sufficient opportunities; stresses that a well-functioning , un-distorted market incentivises the efficient use of wood-based resources;


### 10. highlights that for wood-based products to contribute optimally to climate change mitigation and a circular economy requires that they be used in the most efficient and sustainable way; believes that the cascading principle8 is a good guideline for efficient use , but must not use a static approach and therefore must be adjusted regularly to reflect innovative uses; stresses that a well-functioning , un-distorted market incentivises the efficient use of wood-based resources; ### 10. highlights that for wood-based products to contribute optimally to climate change mitigation and a circular economy requires that they be used in the most efficient and sustainable way; believes that the cascading principle8 could be a good guideline for efficient use , but must not use a static approach and therefore must be adjusted regularly to reflect innovative uses and should be decided on economic basis and on operational level; stresses that a well-functioning , un-distorted market incentivises the efficient use of wood-based resources;


### 11. underlines the importance of a reliable supply of wood , wood-based products and forest-based biomass to achieve the eu’s sustainability goals and notes that the demand is expected to continue to grow; believes that the eu’s forestry sector provide the most sustainably sourced raw materials; calls on the commission to consider displacement effects and monitor any effects on the availability of wood following the implementation of measures under the strategy; ### 11. underlines the importance of a reliable supply of wood , wood-based products and forest-based biomass to achieve the eu’s sustainability goals and notes that the demand is expected to continue to grow; believes that the eu’s forestry sector provide the most sustainably sourced raw materials; calls on the commission to consider displacement effects and monitor any effects on the availability of wood following the implementation of measures under the strategy; after the russian invasion of ukraine on 24 february 2022 , highlights the crucial importance of the eu’s security of supply and own raw material production.


### 11. underlines the importance of a reliable supply of wood , wood-based products and forest-based biomass to achieve the eu’s sustainability goals and notes that the demand is expected to continue to grow; believes that the eu’s forestry sector provide the most sustainably sourced raw materials; calls on the commission to consider displacement effects and monitor any effects on the availability of wood following the implementation of measures under the strategy; ### 11. underlines the importance of a reliable supply of wood , wood-based products and forest-based biomass to achieve a sustainable bioeconomy; notes that the demand is expected to continue to grow and that the sustainable use of locally produced wood should be encouraged to meet this demand; believes that the eu’s forestry sector provide the most sustainably sourced raw materials; calls on the commission to consider leakage effects and substitution effects of fossil and non-renewable materials and monitor any effects on the availability of wood following the implementation of measures under the strategy;


### 11. underlines the importance of a reliable supply of wood , wood-based products and forest-based biomass to achieve the eu’s sustainability goals and notes that the demand is expected to continue to grow; believes that the eu’s forestry sector provide the most sustainably sourced raw materials; calls on the commission to consider displacement effects and monitor any effects on the availability of wood following the implementation of measures under the strategy; ### 11. underlines the importance of a reliable supply of wood , wood-based products and forest-based biomass to achieve the eu’s sustainability goals and notes that the demand is expected to continue to grow; believes that the eu’s forestry sector provide the most sustainably sourced raw materials; calls on the commission to consider leakage , displacement and rebound effects and monitor any effects on the availability of wood following the implementation of measures under the strategy;


### 11. underlines the importance of a reliable supply of wood , wood-based products and forest-based biomass to achieve the eu’s sustainability goals and notes that the demand is expected to continue to grow; believes that the eu’s forestry sector provide the most sustainably sourced raw materials; calls on the commission to consider displacement effects and monitor any effects on the availability of wood following the implementation of measures under the strategy; ### 11. underlines the importance of a reliable supply of wood , wood-based products and residual forest-based biomass to achieve the eu’s sustainability goals and notes that the demand is expected to continue to grow; believes that the eu’s forestry sector provide the most sustainably sourced raw materials; calls on the commission to consider displacement effects and monitor any effects on the availability of wood following the implementation of measures under the strategy;


### 12. recalls that 2.1 million people work in the forest-based sector , while the extended forest-based value chain supports 4 million jobs in the green economy; calls on the commission and the member states to assess the effects of a shift in the balance of forest functions on the overall employment situation; ### 12. recalls that 2.1 million people work in the forest-based sector , while the extended forest-based value chain supports 4 million jobs in the green economy; stresses that jobs in the forest-based sector help raise the appeal of and thus invigorate some rural regions; calls on the commission and the member states to assess the effects of a shift in the balance of forest functions on the overall employment situation , especially in rural areas;


### 12. recalls that 2.1 million people work in the forest-based sector , while the extended forest-based value chain supports 4 million jobs in the green economy; calls on the commission and the member states to assess the effects of a shift in the balance of forest functions on the overall employment situation; ### 12. recalls that 2.1 million people work in the forest-based sector , while the extended forest-based value chain supports 4 million jobs in the green economy; calls on the commission and the member states to assess the effects of a shift in the balance of forest functions on the overall employment situation , notably in rural areas;


### (26) in order to ensure traceability of shipments of waste and not to impair the environmentally sound management of waste shipped across borders , it should be prohibited to mix waste with other waste from the start of the shipment to the receipt of the waste in recovery or disposal operation. ### (26) in order to ensure traceability of shipments of waste and not to impair the environmentally sound management of waste shipped across borders , it should be prohibited to mix waste with other waste from the start of the shipment to the receipt of the waste in recovery or disposal operation , except in cases of non-hazardous waste shipped to facilities within the eu which have demonstrated an ability to treat waste of the corresponding contamination level.


### (55) in order to ensure uniform conditions for the implementation of this regulation , implementing powers should be conferred on the commission to adopt measures on a harmonised method for calculating the financial guarantee or equivalent insurance , to clarify the classification of waste under this regulation (including the establishment of contamination level threshold for certain waste) and to clarify for certain types of commodities the distinction between used goods and waste when shipped transboundary. those powers should be exercised in accordance with regulation (eu) no 182/2011 of the european parliament and of the council53 . ### (55) in order to ensure uniform conditions for the implementation of a simple , risk-based and harmonised method for calculating the financial guarantee or equivalent insurance of the requirements for interoperability between central and national systems , and of a correlation table between the codes of the combined nomenclature and the entries of waste , implementing powers should be conferred on the commission. those powers should be exercised in accordance with regulation (eu) no 182/2011 of the european parliament and of the council53. if the commission determines that a harmonised calculation method is appropriate , it should consider how the central system can be utilised to enable innovative methods for determining financial guarantees.


### this regulation lays down measures to protect the environment and human health by preventing or reducing the adverse impacts which may result from the shipment of waste. it establishes procedures and control regimes for the shipment of waste , depending on the origin , destination and route of the shipment , the type of waste shipped and the type of treatment to be applied to the waste at its destination. ### this regulation lays down measures to protect the environment and human health and enhancing circular economy by preventing or reducing the adverse impacts which may result from the shipment of waste. it establishes procedures and control regimes for the shipment of waste , depending on the origin , destination and route of the shipment , the type of waste shipped and the type of treatment to be applied to the waste at its destination.


### this regulation lays down measures to protect the environment and human health by preventing or reducing the adverse impacts which may result from the shipment of waste. it establishes procedures and control regimes for the shipment of waste , depending on the origin , destination and route of the shipment , the type of waste shipped and the type of treatment to be applied to the waste at its destination. ### this regulation lays down measures to protect the environment and human health by preventing or reducing the adverse impacts which may result from the shipment of waste and enhancing circular economy. it establishes procedures and control regimes for the shipment of waste , depending on the origin , destination and route of the shipment , the type of waste shipped and the type of treatment to be applied to the waste at its destination.


### (4) ‘environmentally sound management’ means taking all practicable steps to ensure that waste is managed in a manner that will protect human health and the environment against adverse effects which may result from such waste; ### (4) ‘environmentally sound management’ means taking all practicable steps to ensure that waste is managed in a manner that will protect human health , the climate and the environment against adverse effects which may result from such waste or the treatment thereof in a life-cycle perspective;


### in the case of a shipment originating from a member state , any natural or legal person under the national jurisdiction of that member state who plans or carries out a shipment of waste and to whom the duty to notify is assigned , and who is listed below: ### in the case of a shipment originating from a member state , any natural or legal person who plans or carries out a shipment of waste and to whom the duty to notify is assigned , and who is listed below:


### mixtures of waste , provided that the composition of those mixtures does not impair their environmentally sound recovery and provided that such mixtures are listed in annex iiia. ### mixtures of waste listed in annex iii , iiia or iiib , provided that the composition of those mixtures does not impair their environmentally sound recovery and , where appropriate , provided that the receiving facility located within the eu has demonstrated an ability to treat such mixtures of waste regardless of their contamination level.


### the amount of waste does not exceed 150 kg or any higher amount agreed on a case-by-case basis by the competent authorities concerned and the notifier. ### the amount of waste does not exceed 150 kg for laboratory analysis , 25 000 kg for experimental treatment trials or any higher amount agreed on a case-by-case basis by the competent authorities concerned and the notifier.


### the amount of waste does not exceed 150 kg or any higher amount agreed on a case-by-case basis by the competent authorities concerned and the notifier. ### the amount of waste does not exceed 20 000 kg or any higher amount agreed on a case-by-case basis by the competent authorities concerned and the notifier.


### 5. paragraph 2 shall apply to shipments of mixed municipal waste collected from private households , from other waste producers or from both , as well as to mixed municipal waste which has been subject to a waste treatment operation that has not substantially altered its properties , where such waste is destined for recovery operations. shipments of such waste destined for disposal shall be prohibited. ### 5. paragraph 2 shall apply to shipments of mixed municipal waste collected from private households , from other waste producers or from both , as well as to mixed municipal waste which has been subject to a waste treatment operation that has not substantially altered its properties , where such waste is destined for recovery operations.


### 4. a notification shall be considered properly carried out when the competent authority of dispatch is satisfied that the notification document and movement document have been completed in accordance with paragraph 3. ### 4. a notification shall be considered properly carried out when the notification document and movement document have been completed in accordance with paragraph 3.


### 3. the contract shall include obligations: ### 3. in order to facilitate harmonization within this area , the commission shall by [one year after the date of entry into force of this regulation] adopt a delegated act in accordance with article 76 to supplement this regulation by establishing common criteria for contracts. the contract shall include obligations:


### 6. by way of derogation from paragraph 5 , where the waste shipped is destined for interim recovery operations or disposal operations and a further recovery operation or disposal operation takes place in the country of destination , the financial guarantee or equivalent insurance may be released when the waste leaves the interim facility and the competent authority concerned has received the certificate referred to in article 16(4). in that case , any further shipment to a recovery or disposal facility shall be covered by a new financial guarantee or equivalent insurance unless the competent authority of destination is satisfied that such a financial guarantee or equivalent insurance is not required. in those circumstances , the competent authority of destination shall be responsible for obligations arising in the case of take-back where the shipment or the further recovery or disposal operation cannot be completed as intended , as referred to in article 22 , or in the case of an illegal shipment , as referred to in article 24. ### 6. by way of derogation from paragraph 5 , where the waste shipped is destined for interim recovery operations or disposal operations and a further recovery operation or disposal operation takes place in the country of destination , the financial guarantee or equivalent insurance may be released when the waste leaves the interim facility and the competent authority concerned has received the certificate referred to in article 16(4). in that case , any further shipment to a recovery or disposal facility shall be covered by a new financial guarantee or equivalent insurance unless the shipment is done between two facilities controlled by the same legal entity or the competent authority of destination is satisfied that such a financial guarantee or equivalent insurance is not required. in those circumstances , the competent authority of destination shall be responsible for obligations arising in the case of take-back where the shipment or the further recovery or disposal operation cannot be completed as intended , as referred to in article 22 , or in the case of an illegal shipment , as referred to in article 24.


### 10. the commission shall , at the latest by [op: please insert date of two years after the date of entry into force of this regulation] , assess the feasibility of establishing a harmonised calculation method for determining the amount of financial guarantees or equivalent insurances and , if appropriate , adopt an implementing act to establish such a harmonised calculation method. that implementing act shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in article 77(2). ### 10. the commission shall , at the latest by [op: please insert date of two years after the date of entry into force of this regulation] , assess the feasibility of establishing a simple , risk-based and harmonised calculation method for determining the amount of financial guarantees or equivalent insurances and , if appropriate , by ... [ three years after the date of entry into force of this regulation] adopt an implementing act to establish such a simple , risk-based and harmonised calculation method. that implementing act shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in article 77(2).


### 10. the commission shall , at the latest by [op: please insert date of two years after the date of entry into force of this regulation] , assess the feasibility of establishing a harmonised calculation method for determining the amount of financial guarantees or equivalent insurances and , if appropriate , adopt an implementing act to establish such a harmonised calculation method. that implementing act shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in article 77(2). ### 10. the commission shall , at the latest by [op: please insert date of one year after the date of entry into force of this regulation] , assess the feasibility of establishing a harmonised calculation method for determining the amount of financial guarantees or equivalent insurances and , if appropriate , adopt an implementing act to establish such a harmonised calculation method. that implementing act shall be adopted in accordance with the examination procedure referred to in article 77(2).


### where , within 30 days after submission of the notification , the competent authority of destination has not taken a decision under paragraph 1 , it shall provide the notifier with a motivated explanation upon request. ### where the competent authority of destination is not able to take a decision under paragraph 1 within 30 days after submission of the notification , it shall inform the notifier within those 30 days and provide the notifier with a motivated explanation unsolicited. a final decision by the competent authority must be taken within 60 days after submission of the notification.


### 4. the planned shipment may take place only after fulfilment of the requirements set out in article 16(1) , points (a) and (b) , and during the period of validity of the tacit or written consent of all competent authorities concerned. a shipment shall have left the country of dispatch by the end of the period of validity of the tacit or written consents of all competent authorities concerned. ### 4. the planned shipment may take place only after fulfilment of the requirements set out in article 16(1) , points (a) and (b) , and during the period of validity of the tacit or written consent of all competent authorities concerned. a shipment shall have left the country of dispatch by the end of the period of validity of the tacit or written consents of all competent authorities concerned. a written or tacit consent may only be withdrawn for the reasons set out in paragraph 6.


### prohibition of shipments of waste destined for disposal ### authorisation of shipments of waste destined for disposal


### 1. where a notification is submitted regarding a planned shipment of waste destined for disposal in accordance with article 5 , the competent authorities of dispatch and of destination shall only give their written consent to that shipment , within the 30-day limit referred to in article 9(1) , if all the following conditions are fulfilled: ### 1. where a notification is submitted regarding a planned shipment of waste destined for disposal in accordance with article 5 , the competent authorities of dispatch and of destination shall give their consent to that shipment , within the 30-day limit referred to in article 9(1) , if all the following conditions are fulfilled:


### the notifier demonstrates that: ### the competent authority does not raise motivated objections based on one or more of the following grounds:


### the waste cannot be recovered in a technically feasible and economically viable manner , or must be disposed of due to legal obligations in union or international law; ### the waste can be recovered in a technically feasible and economically viable manner , unless disposal is mandated by legal obligations in union or international law;


### (ii) the waste cannot be disposed of in a technically feasible and economically viable manner in the country where it was generated; ### deleted


### (iii) the planned shipment or disposal is in accordance with the waste hierarchy and the principles of proximity and self-sufficiency at union and national levels as laid down in directive 2008/98/ec; ### (iii) the planned shipment or disposal is not in accordance with the waste hierarchy and the principles of proximity and self-sufficiency at union and national levels as laid down in directive 2008/98/ec;


### the notifier or the consignee has previously not been convicted of illegal shipment or any other illegal act in relation to environmental protection; ### the notifier or the consignee has previously been convicted by a final criminal judgment of intentional illegal shipment or any other illegal act that caused serious harm to the environment or human health and the penalty has not yet been discharged;


### the waste is not mixed municipal waste (waste code 20 03 01 or 20 03 99) collected from private households , from other waste producers or both , or mixed municipal waste which has been subject to a waste treatment operation that has not substantially altered its properties. ### deleted


### the planned shipment or recovery would not be in accordance with directive 2008/98/ec; ### the planned shipment or recovery would not be in accordance with article 4 of the directive 2008/98/ec;


### the routing of the different shipments , in particular the points of exit from and entry into each country concerned , as indicated in the notification document is the same. ### the routing of the different shipments as indicated in the notification document.


### the routing of the different shipments , in particular the points of exit from and entry into each country concerned , as indicated in the notification document is the same. ### the routing of the different shipments , in particular the up to three cited points of exit from and entry into each country concerned , as indicated in the notification document is the same.


### a description of technologies employed , including r-code(s) , for the recovery operation for which the pre-consent is requested; ### a description of technologies employed , including r-code(s) , for the recovery operation for which the pre-consent is requested as well as technologies applied for greenhouse gases (ghg) savings , energy generation , raw material recovery , efficient resource use and other relevant technologies;


### 7. by way of derogation from paragraph 6 , the competent authority may refuse to approve the request for pre-consent when they are not satisfied that issuing the pre-consent will ensure a high quality treatment of the waste concerned. ### deleted


### 7. by way of derogation from paragraph 6 , the competent authority may refuse to approve the request for pre-consent when they are not satisfied that issuing the pre-consent will ensure a high quality treatment of the waste concerned. ### 7. by way of derogation from paragraph 6 , the competent authority may refuse to approve the request for pre-consent when they are not satisfied that issuing the pre-consent will ensure a high quality treatment of the waste concerned. such refusal to approve the request for pre-consent needs unsolicited explanation since all facilities operating in the union are approved under relevant union legislation and therefore must meet the requirements for high-quality treatment per se.


### 9. unless stated otherwise in the decision to approve the request for pre-consent , the pre-consent of a recovery facility shall be valid for seven years. ### 9. unless stated otherwise in the decision to approve the request for pre-consent , the pre-consent of a recovery facility shall be valid for ten years.


### 10. a pre-consent of a recovery facility may be revoked at any time by the competent authority. a decision to revoke a pre-consent shall be duly motivated and communicated to the facility concerned. ### 10. a pre-consent of a recovery facility may be revoked at any time by the competent authority. a decision to revoke a pre-consent shall be duly motivated and communicated to the facility concerned. a pre-consent of a recovery facility may be revoked by the competent authority after prior consultation with the person concerned (operator of the recovery facility) if:


### 2. the person under the national jurisdiction of the country of dispatch who arranges the shipment shall complete and submit the relevant information contained in annex vii , no later than one day before the shipment takes place. ### 2. the person under the national jurisdiction of the country of dispatch who arranges the shipment shall complete and submit the relevant information contained in annex vii , before the shipment takes place.


### 5. the recovery facility shall , as soon as possible and no later than 30 days after completion of the recovery operation , and no later than one calendar year after receipt of the waste , certify , under its responsibility , that the recovery has been completed by completing the relevant information contained in annex vii. ### 5. the recovery facility shall , as soon as possible and no later than 30 days after completion of the recovery operation or , in case of unintended delay , an interim recovery operation , and no later than one calendar year after receipt of the waste , certify , under its responsibility , that the recovery has been completed by completing the relevant information contained in annex vii.


### 1. the competent authorities , the notifier , the consignee and the facility which receives the waste shall keep all documents sent to or by the competent authorities in relation to a notified shipment in the union for at least five years from the date when the shipment starts. in the case of general notifications in accordance with article 13 , that obligation shall apply from the date when the last shipment starts. ### 1. the competent authorities , the notifier , the consignee and the facility which receives the waste shall keep all documents sent to or by the competent authorities in relation to a notified shipment in the union for at least four years from the date when the shipment starts. in the case of general notifications in accordance with article 13 , that obligation shall apply from the date when the last shipment starts.


### 1. any notification , information , documentation or other communication submitted pursuant to the provisions of this title shall be provided in a language acceptable to the competent authorities concerned. ### 1. any notification , information , documentation or other communication submitted pursuant to the provisions of this title shall be provided in a language acceptable to the competent authorities concerned. english language shall always be accepted by competent authorities concerned.