European forest ecosystems: key allies in sustainable development

European forests are vital to achieving Sustainable Development Goals 15 and 6, related to life on land, and clean water and sanitation. Insights into the current state of European forest ecosystems, drivers of societal demands and other pressures, and their governance are essential for effective management and decision-making at local, regional and European levels. This briefing outlines the main characteristics of forests in Europe today and some key trends around their extent and condition.

Key messages

Forests constitute the largest terrestrial ecosystem in the EU-27, extending to around 160 million hectares. Currently, over 90 % of the forests are predominantly semi-natural. Primary and old-growth forests cover less than 4%. They are of utmost importance for Europe's biodiversity since they are more stable, resistant and adaptive to disturbances than modified forests.

Approximately 10% of the EU-27's annual greenhouse gas emissions are absorbed and stored in forest soils and biomass.

Intensified land use conversions and forest exploitation are currently the most significant threats to forests. However, climate change is expected to overtake them at local and regional scales.

Forest ecosystems face an increasing frequency, intensity and scale of extreme weather events. Windthrow is the most significant disturbance, followed by fires. Insect outbreaks have doubled their share of damage over the last 20 years.

With ever-increasing demands for biomass, forests are projected to be under further ecological strain.