The New EU Forest Strategy for 2030—An Analysis of Major Interests

Abstract

The New European Union Forest Strategy for 2030 has been controversially discussed by all relevant interest groups: member states, forest owners, forest-related industry, environmental NGOs. The analysis reveals two central conflicts characterizing the Strategy: sovereignty vs. increased Union control—the primary concern of member states and forest owners; and commodity vs. amenity—a central issue between forest-based industry and environmental NGOs. In this respect it is interesting to note that, while being competitors over influence in European forest policy, both forest-related industry and environmental NGOs share the demand for clearer definitions in the Strategy. The Commission’s position is discussed in view of the central conflicts with no unequivocal results—while in the first conflict the Commission can be assumed to, indeed, seek to obtain more power vis-à-vis the member states, with regard to the second conflict three assumptions are on the horizon: (i) the Commission tries to balance the demands of commodity and amenity- oriented interest groups; (ii) despite environmental rhetoric used, the Strategy is dominated by economic goals; (iii) the strategic vision of the Commission inclines towards environmental goals.