European Forestry Pulse #9 🌲

Hello,

Brussels just dropped new EUDR guidance that was supposed to simplify compliance. Instead, it's created a maze of "negligible risk" definitions that has the industry scrambling. Plus, Europe's sawmill landscape just got a new giant that controls your market access.

Here's what's moving European forestry this week:

The European Commission released updated EUDR guidance on August 14, attempting to clarify the concept of "negligible risk" for products not linked to deforestation. While the guidance promises streamlined due diligence for lower-risk countries, it maintains that continuous monitoring and transparency are still required—essentially negating much of the promised simplification.

The update confirms December 30, 2025 deadlines for most operators (June 30, 2026 for small businesses) despite industry calls for delays. More importantly, it specifies that EUDR takes precedence over the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) in case of conflicts, and crucially limits the regulation to deforestation linked to agricultural activities—potentially excluding some forestry operations.

Meanwhile, NGO Earthsight warns that proposed member state changes to create a "no risk" category could open backdoors for laundering sanctioned Russian and Belarusian timber through third countries, undermining the entire system's integrity.

What this means for you: The "negligible risk" category won't reduce your compliance burden as much as hoped. Start building robust documentation systems now—simplified procedures still require full traceability. Watch for potential market distortions from timber laundering through "safe" countries. Source: CommonShare - European Commission updates EUDR guidance

After unprecedented M&A activity, Binderholz now operates 15 sawmills with 4.5 million m³ total capacity, making it Europe's largest sawn timber producer. The Austrian family company's expansion across Germany, Finland, and the Baltics creates a new power center in European timber markets.

The takeaway: One company now controls significant market share—diversify your buyer relationships before negotiating power shifts further. Source: Fastmarkets - European sawn timber industry transformed

A new digital platform in Chania revolutionizes Greek forestry administration, allowing online permit applications for harvesting, pruning, and hunting licenses. Users can access mapped forest areas, track Forest Map corrections, and submit documentation electronically—cutting bureaucracy by 70%.

The takeaway: Digital transformation isn't optional anymore—countries still using paper systems will lose competitive advantage. Source: Interreg Europe - Digital Forestry Platform

Europe's tallest wooden building completed in August using 387m³ of PEFC-certified French beechwood, achieving 60% carbon emission reduction versus concrete. The landmark project proves mass timber viability for urban high-rise construction.

The takeaway: Institutional acceptance of mass timber accelerating—position for construction market demand before competitors catch on. Source: PEFC - Paris Wood Up Tower landmark

Juvencio Maeztu becomes CEO of Ingka Group on November 5, replacing Jesper Brodin after 8 years. Ingka owns 250,000 hectares of forests across Europe and US, making it one of the continent's largest private forest owners with significant market influence.

The takeaway: New CEOs mean new strategies—watch for shifts in IKEA's forest acquisition patterns and sustainability requirements. Source: Lesprom Network - Juvencio Maeztu becomes CEO

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Check if your country has a digital forestry platform like Greece's. If yes, register immediately—early adopters get priority processing. If no, lobby your forestry association to push for digitalization. The efficiency gains (70% time savings) justify the investment, and laggard countries will struggle with EUDR compliance without digital infrastructure.

Until Thursday!

Wish you all the best: Peter

P.S. Binderholz's dominance, Greece going digital, IKEA's new forest strategy—which shift affects your business most? Hit reply and let me know. — I read every message personally.

P. P. S. Know a forest professional who’s drowning in EUDR complexity or missing out on timber market shifts? Forward this issue or invite them to join!

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