Minister for Rural Affairs to host ministerial conference on future of forests
Published
On 2–3 June, ministers, decision-makers and experts from Europe will convene in Stockholm for FOREST EUROPE’s tenth Ministerial Conference, hosted by Minister for Rural Affairs Peter Kullgren. The Conference also represents the highlight of Sweden’s chairmanship of FOREST EUROPE in 2025–2026.
“I’m looking forward to welcoming key decision-makers on forestry issues from the whole of Europe. The forests and active forestry throughout our entire continent play a crucial role for Europe’s economy, our joint preparedness and the climate,” says Mr Kullgren.
The Conference will be attended by the European Commissioner for Agriculture and Food, Christophe Hansen, along with ministers and deputy ministers, state secretaries and high-level representatives from more than 30 countries. It will focus on how Europe’s forests can contribute to enhanced competitiveness for forestry, resilient and sustainable societies, improved biodiversity and increased preparedness in times of geopolitical unrest and climate change.
The programme will include results of FOREST EUROPE’s efforts during the period 2025–2026 and thematic discussions on issues such as the role of forests for resilient societies, future skills supply and conditions for sustainable forestry.
A key outcome of the Conference will be Stockholm’s ministerial declaration, which will set out the direction of continued cooperation. The declaration will confirm sustainable forestry as a fundamental principle and highlight the importance of forests for preparedness, robust value chains, reliable knowledge and Europe’s long-term stability.
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About FOREST EUROPE
FOREST EUROPE is a form of intergovernmental political policy process to promote sustainable forestry in Europe. The cooperation gathers 44 European countries and the European Commission and is a key platform for dialogue and cooperation on issues concerning the role of forests in society, the economy and the environment.
The first Ministerial Conference was held in Strasbourg in 1990 and laid the foundation for a joint European approach to sustainable forest management. Since then, the collaboration has developed into a key forum for political discussions about forests, in which participating countries unite on common principles, definitions and goals.
During the period 2025–2026, Sweden holds the chairmanship of FOREST EUROPE. Within this framework, Sweden – led by Mr Kullgren – will host the Ministerial Conference on 2–3 June.
The Ministerial Conference is FOREST EUROPE’s highest decision-making forum and gathers responsible ministers or representatives from participating countries. At the Conference in Stockholm, the overall approach and priorities for continued European forestry cooperation will be discussed A joint declaration will also be signed, setting out the joint political priorities that guide continued efforts, rather than containing detailed decisions.
Press contact
Press Secretary to Minister for Rural Affairs Peter Kullgren
Phone (switchboard) +46 8 405 10 00
Mobile +46 76 318 65 75
email to Dan Jormvik
