Small forest owners face several important EU policy changes that will shape forest management over the coming years. Under the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), the key deadline is 30 June 2027, giving small owners extra time to prepare. The Regulation requires proof that timber placed on the EU market is not linked to deforestation after 31 December 2020 and complies with all legal harvesting rules. With the EUDR Information System reopened and training available, small owners should now focus on organising plot geolocation, gathering evidence of legal harvesting, and coordinating with buyers or cooperatives on how declarations will be submitted.
At the same time, the EU is strengthening its approach to wildfire risk and carbon removals. The 2026 strategy on Integrated Wildfire Risk Management highlights prevention and active forest management—thinning, pruning, species diversification, and fuel reduction—as essential tools for reducing fire risk. Funding through the Common Agricultural Policy will support prevention measures from 2028 onward. Meanwhile, the EU’s new carbon farming rules under the Carbon Removal Certification Framework introduce methodologies for afforestation and peatland restoration, though the forest‑management methodology is still under development. Additional guidance on Natura 2000 and sustainable tourism offers a framework for managing visitor pressure without changing legal obligations. Overall, EU policy increasingly recognises the importance of active, well‑planned forest management for resilience, compliance and long‑term sustainability.