EU Commission hosts forest-sector dialogue on post-2030 climate policy
Commissioner Hoekstra met forest owners and pulp and paper representatives to discuss carbon removals, certification and the post-2030 climate framework.
The story in focus
The European Commission held a high-level policy dialogue on 15 October 2026 with forest owners and the pulp and paper sector on how forest-based value chains can contribute to EU climate neutrality, focusing on carbon removal certification and the post-2030 climate framework.
- Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra convened forest owners and pulp and paper representatives to discuss investments in the sector's resilience and competitiveness.
- Talks covered new business opportunities under the Carbon Removal and Carbon Farming certification framework and the proposed integration of permanent removals into the EU ETS.
- Participants discussed how the post-2030 national climate targets proposal and an update to the LULUCF framework could support forests.
Carbon removals and investment
The dialogue opened with a discussion of business opportunities created by the Carbon Removal and Carbon Farming certification framework (CRCF) and by the proposed integration of permanent carbon removals, including bio-CCS and Direct Air Capture, into the EU Emissions Trading System, as set out in the Commission's July ETS review. Participants explored how these instruments could unlock investment in climate-smart forest management and biogenic carbon.
Participants welcomed the proposed ETS integration and CRCF certification as steps towards building a European market for carbon removals. They also said the sector needs a predictable and coherent policy framework, including a strong carbon price on fossil emissions, affordable clean energy, CO2 infrastructure and faster permitting.
Forest resilience and the post-2030 framework
Participants described how active forest management can improve forest health and resilience while increasing carbon removals, delivering biodiversity co-benefits and broadening access to renewable feedstocks. They noted that climate change is already affecting European forests through more unpredictable growth, wildfires and pests, and said the upcoming CRCF certification methodology for forest management must reflect the diversity of forests and practices across Europe.
The Commission said it intends to update the LULUCF climate framework for the post-2030 period, with an evaluation of the LULUCF Regulation scheduled for adoption at the end of 2026. In closing remarks, Hoekstra said policy initiatives to promote the sector's vitality and resilience would be prioritised, including in the upcoming legislative proposal for national climate targets and flexibilities after 2030. The discussions are to inform proposals supporting the 2040 target of a 90% net greenhouse gas reduction compared with 1990 levels.
What did the Commission say about the post-2030 LULUCF framework?
The Commission intends to update the LULUCF framework for the post-2030 period and evaluate the LULUCF Regulation by the end of 2026, with participants discussing stronger resilience incentives and rules for natural disturbances.
Sources & further reading
- Commission hosts a high-level policy dialogue on the role of forest-based value chains in the EU’s climate transition ↗climate.ec.europa.eu
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