Adhering to his promise to update the European Parliament about implementing the new EU Forest Strategy this meeting was also attended by Commissioner Hogan, responsible for Agriculture and Rural Development, highlighting some of the key features of and envisaged actions in the Forest MAP. In addition, he clearly emphasised that forestry represents a key sector in the transition towards a low-carbon and climate-friendly economy.
After the Commissioners statement a lively debate with the Members of the Agriculture Committee followed.
For the full recording of the extraordinary meeting of the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development, please refer to
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/news-room/content/20151001IPR95115/html/Committee-on-Agriculture-and-Rural-Development-meeting-05102015-%28PM%29.
The agenda point 4, dealing with the Forest MAP, starts at around 55 minutes into the recording.
On 20 September 2013, the Commission adopted a new EU Forest Strategy that gives a framework in response to the increasing demands put on forests and to significant societal and political changes that have affected forests over the last 15 years.
The multiannual implementation plan for the EU Forest Strategy has been prepared by the European Commission services in close cooperation with the Standing Forestry Committee. The Forest MAP includes a list of actions for the period 2014-2020, names the responsible actors and gives the timing of the different activities as well as the expected outcomes. It was approved by the 138thmeeting of the Standing Forestry Committee on 18 September 2015 and transmitted to the Council and European Parliament.
The Plan is in line with the European Parliament resolution on the new EU Forest Strategy adopted last April. Parliament supports the Strategy, in particular the development of a comprehensive and holistic approach; need to promote sustainable management of forests and a better coordination with Member States.
