EPP Blocks EU's Forest Monitoring Law Amidst Environmental Criticism
The European Parliament's EPP-led majority, under Alexander Bernhuber's leadership, has blocked a proposed forest management law, arguing it would impose unnecessary burdens on countries with effective forest management. This move has sparked criticism from environmentalists and some member states.
The proposed law, known as the 'Forest Monitoring Law' (FML), aims to enhance Europe's forests' resilience against cross-border threats like disease, pest infestations, droughts, and wildfires. It was designed to link national digital forest data across the EU and collect new satellite-based information for better forest management.
The Council of the EU, representing member states, adopted its negotiating position on June 24, 2022, supporting the objective of the proposed law. Polish Agriculture Minister Czesław Siekierski, speaking on behalf of Poland's Council presidency, stated that the new framework would provide tools to protect and sustain forests while avoiding unnecessary bureaucracy.
However, representatives of the agriculture and environment committees in the European Parliament blocked the proposal in 2021. Martin Häusling, a German Green MEP and farmer, criticized the EPP's stance, arguing they have targeted forests in their assault on the Green Deal by blocking scientific data collection. Forest owners' lobby welcomed the outcome, stating that Europe needs practical solutions to strengthen forests and those who manage them, rather than data collection.
The future of the 'Forest Monitoring Law' remains uncertain. While some member states and environmentalists support the law's objectives, the EPP-led majority in the European Parliament has blocked its progress. Further negotiations will be needed to find a compromise that balances the need for better forest management with concerns about unnecessary bureaucracy.
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