Orpo, Kristersson tell EC President about EU energy law´s challenges

Prime Minister Petteri Orpo and his Swedish counterpart Ulf Kristersson sent a letter to President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen stressing the great importance of forests and the forest industry for all of Europe and its work to combat climate change, said a government press release on Monday.

In the letter, the prime ministers noted the challenges posed by newly negotiated EU legislation on energy, climate and the environment for their countries’ forests and forestry.

In the current situation, it is important to focus on the implementation of legislation and on analysing its overall impact on forests.

They highlighted the significance of forests for climate and the environment and their role in providing raw materials, absorbing carbon dioxide and creating healthy soil.

The prime ministers express their view that these vital functions of forests are best preserved through national practices and know-how.

The prime ministers point out that as part of the bioeconomy, forestry is an integral part of the EU’s green transition policy.

It also supports the EU’s objective of strengthening its long-term competitiveness. The growing demand for sustainable products and the developing potential of wood-based products create a vast opportunity for a highly competitive European industry.

The Prime Ministers stress the key role of clear, coherent and predictable regulation in this work.