European Forest Policy and Governance

Posted On January 28, 2025

Unveiling the complexities of EU forest policy

Forests are more than just trees, they are vital ecosystems, sources of livelihoods, and key players in global climate resilience. Yet, the policies that govern our forest resources are as diverse and complex as the forests themselves. My new book, European Forest Policy and Governance: An Integrative Analytical Framework, dives into the world of forest policy and governance, offering fresh perspectives on the challenges and opportunities shaping European forest landscapes.

Why forest policy matters?

From Sweden’s expansive boreal forests to Greece’s Mediterranean woodlands, Europe’s forests vary significantly in terms of their environmental and socio-economic significance. What unites them is the web of policies, stakeholders, and governance mechanisms that determine how our forest resources are being managed. Forest policy is no longer just about forestry, it spans climate action, biodiversity conservation, sustainable industries, and even international trade.

Yet, as my book underscores, forest policy in Europe faces a unique challenge, namely, the absence of a shared framework at a conceptual and legislative level. While the European Union (EU) influences forest-related sectors through climate, agriculture, and energy policies, direct forest governance remains under the jurisdiction of EU Member States. This creates a fragmented yet fascinating policy landscape.

What this book offers

This book introduces an integrative framework that bridges the gaps between different forest policy domains and governance levels. It invites readers to explore issues such as:

• The European Green Deal’s role in the EU Forest Strategy: Can the EU’s ambitious climate policies reshape forest governance?
• Circular economy and forest-based industries: How can forests drive the transition to sustainable production and consumption?
• Changing forest ownership patterns: What do new trends in land ownership mean for ecosystem services and biodiversity?
• Managing trade-offs in forest use: How can policymakers balance conservation needs with economic demands like timber production?

Through case studies from countries like Sweden, the United Kingdom, Greece, and Romania, the book highlights the diversity in governance systems and the lessons they offer for pan-European cooperation on forests.

The need for teaching tools in forest policy

One additional contribution of this book is its practical focus on the tools needed to navigate the complexities of European forest policy. The book, and its appendix, features step-by-step guides to teach analytical methods, including actor and network analysis, value chain analysis, content and discourse analysis, scenario building and SWOT/STEP analysis, etc. These types of teaching tools are critical for the next generation of policymakers, researchers and practitioners. Forest governance is inherently interdisciplinary, requiring skills that span disciplines.

A fresh lens on forest governance

Finally, one of the book’s central themes is the importance of integrated analysis in addressing the multi-dimensional challenges of forest policy. Traditional approaches often focus on singular policy areas, but this book demonstrates how interconnected forest governance truly is. For instance, EU renewable energy targets may conflict with biodiversity goals, highlighting the need for better policy alignment and dialogue.

The book also emphasise the role of innovative tools in forest policy analysis. From actor-network analysis to content and discourse analysis, the methodological approaches outlined in the appendix provide researchers and policymakers with practical strategies to navigate the complexities of forest governance.

Download the flyer!