The For Forest group, chaired by Finland, has called on the future EU Commission to recognize the importance of forests and sustainable bioeconomy. This initiative received support from 16 member countries. In response to widespread protests in the agricultural sector across Europe this spring, the EU Commission has announced a relief package that aims to simplify regulations related to the common agricultural policy and enhance transparency in the food chain.
The Finnish Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, Sari Essayah, attended a meeting with agriculture ministers of EU member states in Luxembourg and expressed support for regulatory simplification measures proposed by the Commission. She emphasized the need for stronger measures to improve producers’ position in the food chain, with new regulations expected to be released in the summer. Finland has also introduced its own draft legislation at a national level to address these issues.
The For Forest group, which includes Finland, Sweden, Austria, and Slovenia, advocates for recognizing sustainable bioeconomy and forests’ importance in shaping future work programs of EU Commission. Sixteen EU member states have supported this initiative, highlighting growing awareness of bioeconomy’s role within European Union.
Essayah addressed deforestation regulation implementation instructions during the meeting and stressed opportunities presented by bioeconomy transition away from fossil fuels and strengthening strategic autonomy of EU. She was shocked by recent shooting incident involving MP Timo Vornanen and emphasized seriousness of situation while calling for swift action from parliamentary group Basic Finns and Christian Democrats party.
