More than 150 participants gathered in Helsinki, Finland, on 13–15 October 2026, to mark the official launch of the European FOREST Partnership and strengthen collaboration in research and innovation for Europe’s forests, forestry and forest-based sector. Coordinated by Finland’s Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and supported by Horizon Europe, the ten-year Partnership aims to accelerate the transition towards a sustainable forest-based circular bioeconomy.
With a total budget of approximately €233 million, including €70 million in European Union funding, the FOREST Partnership will strengthen cross-border cooperation and coordinate research and innovation activities to address shared challenges facing Europe’s forests and forest-based value chains.
Working together for resilient forests and a sustainable bioeconomy
Europe’s forests face growing challenges, including climate change, biodiversity loss and the need to ensure the sustainable use of forest resources. At the same time, the forest-based sector offers significant opportunities to contribute to climate neutrality, resource efficiency and a competitive circular bioeconomy.
The FOREST Partnership aims to mobilise research and innovation to:
- Strengthen forest resilience and support adaptation to climate change.
- Protect biodiversity and soil fertility through sustainable, multifunctional forest management.
- Advance sustainable and circular value chains by promoting resource-efficient solutions across the forest-based sector.
- Improve European research coordination by aligning national and regional research and innovation programmes and strengthening cross-border collaboration.
By bringing together research funding organisations, public authorities and research organisations, the Partnership will help align research priorities, reduce fragmentation and support the development and uptake of innovative solutions across Europe.
Ten years of European collaboration
Over the next ten years, the FOREST Partnership will launch transnational joint calls for research and innovation projects, supporting collaboration between partners across national borders. Complementary activities will promote knowledge exchange, stakeholder engagement and the practical application of research results.
The Partnership contributes to the objectives of Horizon Europe, the EU Forest Strategy for 2030 and the European Union’s broader ambitions for climate neutrality, biodiversity protection and a competitive, sustainable circular bioeconomy.
The launch event brought together representatives of the European Commission, national and global authorities, research organisations, industry, forest practitioners, civil society and other stakeholders. Through presentations, discussions and exchanges, participants explored shared priorities and opportunities for collaboration in implementing the Partnership’s ambitious agenda.
Thank you for being part of the launch
The official launch marks an important milestone, but it is the commitment and collaboration of the stakeholders and organisations involved that will drive the Partnership forward.
A sincere thank you to all our collaborators, speakers, panellists, presenters and stakeholders who helped make the launch a success. We are especially grateful to our engaged audience for the insightful questions, thoughtful contributions and shared enthusiasm. Thank you to everyone who joined us in Helsinki and online, as well as to all those working behind the scenes to make the event possible.
Looking ahead
The Helsinki launch marks the beginning of a decade of European cooperation to connect research, policy and practice, support innovation and strengthen the resilience and sustainability of Europe’s forests and forest-based sector.
This is just the beginning. Together, we look forward to shaping a more resilient, sustainable and innovative future for Europe’s forests.
