EESC Corner

The European woodworking and furniture sector (as well as the pulp and paper industry) mainly uses natural renewable raw materials, wood, and plays an essential role in the development of a green economy.

Unfortunately, there are currently key inconsistencies between certain parts of EU policies and initiatives, which are having a serious impact on the forest-based industries’ competitiveness and profitability. The sector is facing growing competition for wood from the renewable energy sector, due to subsidies and other measures promoting the use of biomass (wood is one of the main fuels used to produce biomass energy). There are also difficulties regarding investments, research, training, attracting young workers, and administrative restrictions relating to public procurement. The European study “EUwood” shows that wood consumption for energy generation is expected to grow from 346 million solid cubic meters in 2010 (3.1 EJ) to 573 million cubic meters (5 EJ) in 2020 and could reach 752 million cubic meters in 2030 (6.6 EJ). These results are based on the assumption that the share of wood in energy from renewable sources will decrease – from 50 % in 2008 to 40 % in 2020.

A deficit of 200 million m³ of wood is expected by 2025 and 300 million m³ by 2030. A detailed study should be commissioned on the problems relating to the supply of woody raw materials for forest-based industries and for the renewable energy sector (biomass). Appropriate and specific measures to address these problems should be addressed by setting up an informal, neutral, inter-institutional expert group – also linking with relevant stakeholders – on “wood as a sustainable raw material”. EU forest-related policies should support active forest management; in particular the EESC suggests that the European Commission should promote the cultivation of “short-rotation energy wood”. Measures should also be explored to ensure that wood suitable for industrial uses is not used for renewable energy production. The EESC underlines the need to actively promote green buildings that use environmentally friendly and resource-efficient structures and processes throughout their life cycle. The sector needs workers who are trained in the latest skills and technologies. The sector is committed to ensuring career and employment security, maintaining the health and well being of workers, developing skills and competencies, and achieving a work-life balance.

Josef Zbořil,
Member of EESC – Group I