Forest ecosystems play a crucial role in supporting biodiversity. However, with the problems of deforestation, air pollution, and climate change caused by urban development, the health of forests and related ecosystems in Europe is facing increasing challenges.

In response, during the International Forest Day, the European Environment Agency (EEA) issued a document stating that maintaining and ensuring the long-term health of forests requires more sustainable management time and active efforts.

The sustainability of European forests in providing key ecosystem services depends on climate change and the actions of national and non State actors. However, the current situation of European forests is mixed. Despite signs of improvement in forest conditions in Europe, other indicators such as defoliation, crown mortality, and dead wood warn that the situation remains critical.

The increasing pressure on forests is worrying, especially in Central Europe. In 2022, spruce forests in Central Europe are facing widespread wildfires and outbreaks of bark beetles, while forests in the Mediterranean region are also suffering from the pressures of drought, wildfires, and land use changes.

The world is facing a severe climate crisis, with heat waves and drought impairing the growth and viability of trees, making them more vulnerable to pests and other disturbances. Over the past 70 years, the frequency and intensity of these disturbances have also increased, leading to problems in the global timber supply.

Nowadays, forests are no longer just an economic resource. According to the European Green Agreement, the EU has committed to planting 3 billion trees by 2030 and improving the resilience and biodiversity of existing forest ecosystems. The EU and member States are implementing various policies and initiatives to support forest restoration in order to achieve these goals. These include reforestation; Provide financial support for afforestation projects; Support sustainable forest management practices and develop green corridors and other landscape scale forest restoration methods.

Moreover, the EU has set ambitious forest restoration goals as part of its efforts to address climate change and biodiversity loss. Given the longevity of trees and the sustainable development goals of the United Nations for biodiversity conservation and climate action, these decisions need to take a long-term perspective beyond 2050 and include the role of forests.