Infodoc : Sciences, Techniques et Culture

European forests, despite their significant ecological and economic importance, sBll lack a legally binding governance framework at the EU level. In recent years, however, forests have aWracted unprecedented poliBcal and societal aWenBon, together with a noBceable increase in the number and scope of forest- related policies within the EU. The European Green Deal (EGD) and the new EU Forest Strategy have been presented as a shiY in focus from economic concerns and forest producBon to biodiversity conservaBon and climate change objecBves. Yet, this growing aWenBon has not resulted in an insBtuBonalised forest policy. This study invesBgates the evolving role of forests in EU forest-related policies since the adopBon of the EGD and the new Forest Strategy. Our findings indicate that while[...]

European forests, despite their significant ecological and economic importance, sBll lack a legally binding governance framework at the EU level. In recent years, however, forests have aWracted unprecedented poliBcal and societal aWenBon, together with a noBceable increase in the number and scope of forest- related policies within the EU. The European Green Deal (EGD) and the new EU Forest Strategy have been presented as a shiY in focus from economic concerns and forest producBon to biodiversity conservaBon and climate change objecBves. Yet, this growing aWenBon has not resulted in an insBtuBonalised forest policy. This study invesBgates the evolving role of forests in EU forest-related policies since the adopBon of the EGD and the new Forest Strategy. Our findings indicate that while economic prioriBes conBnue to dominate, climate issues are gaining importance. The study also highlights the rising insBtuBonalisaBon of forest ecosystem services, suggesBng a more holisBc approach to forest governance. However, the uneven distribuBon of forest-related frames across different policy domains indicates a persistent fragmentaBon of EU forest policy. This research raises important quesBons regarding the future direcBon of EU forest policy, parBcularly in light of shiYing poliBcal prioriBes. As the European Commission increasingly emphasizes security, defence, and compeBBveness, how will these new paradigms influence forest-related policies? This highlights the need for conBnuous monitoring and analysis to understand the evolving role of forests in EU policy.