Statements by Executive Vice-President Timmermans on Swedish forestry
7.4.2021
Question for written answer E-001859/2021
to the Commission
Rule 138
Jessica Polfjärd (PPE)
On 24 February, the Commission adopted its new strategy on adaptation to climate change (COM/2021/82). The strategy establishes a framework for how the EU can adapt to the impacts of climate change and become climate resilient by 2050.
When unveiling the strategy, Executive Vice-President Timmermans stated that Sweden will have to adopt its forestry strategy in light of numerous challenges related to rising temperatures. These include the need to maintain biodiversity in forests and contain the spread of new diseases. According to the Executive Vice-President, specific means of adaptation may include a shift to cultivating different kinds of trees.
These statements were justified on the basis of claims that Sweden’s forests are in a worse state than previously anticipated.
- 1.In light of these statements, why does the Commission consider Swedish forestry to be unsustainable?
- 2.Furthermore, how does the Commission consider these statements to be compatible with Member States’ competence for forest policy?
- 3.Finally, how does the Commission consider these statements to be compatible with Parliament’s positions in its resolution on the European Forest Strategy of 8 October 2020[1], specifically on the multifunctional role of forests and the importance of sustainable forest management with viable industries?
- [1] Texts adopted, P9_TA(2020)0257.