Clean Industrial Deal should capitalize on the full benefits of the forest–based bioeconomy

In her Political Guidelines for the new European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen emphasizes the urgent need to simultaneously decarbonize and industrialize our economy. The Clean Industrial Deal aims to build a more circular and sustainably competitive economy while boosting productivity. European forests and forest-based bioeconomy are key to achieving these goals. The European Union should: 1. Set targets and policies to support production and use of high-value forest-based products. 2. Secure the future growth and resilience of European forest resources. 3. Guide clean energy projects to areas of lower priority for forest-based services and livelihoods.