The EU Council's Working Party on Forestry is scheduled to meet on 17 July 2026 in Brussels to prepare EU positions for two major international forestry events: the 28th session of the Committee on Forestry (COFO28) and the Forest Europe Ministerial Conference. The meeting, announced in a notice of meeting and provisional agenda published on 22 June 2026, will be chaired by the Irish Presidency of the Council of the EU.
The agenda includes a presentation of the Irish Presidency's forestry programme, followed by preparations for COFO28. The Steering Committee of COFO will present the draft agenda, and member states will confirm burden-sharers and exchange views on the draft division of competence and voting rights. The Presidency and the European Commission will then provide information on the Forest Europe Ministerial Conference. Any other business will be addressed at the end.
This meeting is a procedural step to coordinate EU member states' positions ahead of COFO28, which is expected to address global forest policy issues, and the Forest Europe Ministerial Conference, which focuses on sustainable forest management in Europe. The Irish Presidency, holding the rotating Council presidency until the end of 2026, is leading the agenda.
Impact on stakeholders The meeting primarily affects EU member states' forestry authorities, who must align national positions with EU common positions. The European Commission will play a key role in representing the EU externally. Forestry industry stakeholders, including timber producers and forest owners, may be indirectly impacted by the EU's stance on sustainable forest management and trade issues. Environmental NGOs will watch for commitments on biodiversity and climate goals. The meeting does not involve legislative decisions but sets the stage for EU engagement in international forestry forums.
Institutional follow-up Following the Working Party meeting, the EU's positions will be formalised for COFO28 (scheduled for July 2026) and the Forest Europe Ministerial Conference. The Council is expected to adopt conclusions or a mandate for the Commission to negotiate on behalf of the EU. No further meetings of the Working Party on Forestry are announced in the agenda.