Europe and forest-based industries

27.8.2014

Question for written answer E-006393-14
to the Commission
Rule 130
Marc Tarabella (S&D)

The EU’s forest-based industries are competitive and are yielding very good technical and commercial results. Its paper, wood pulp, wood and printing industries are world leaders in many fields. However, they face a number of challenges, particularly as regards access to raw materials, climate change, trade, innovation and information about forest-based products. In the wood and printing industries, SMEs play a very large role.

Yet Europe ought to support these industries more. Will the Commission change its strategy? Are the rules on exports adequate? Wood may be sold abroad without being debarked or dried, whereas the EU’s internal rules are draconian. The result is that in many EU Member States the best option is to sell European wood and import foreign wood. Ought not European rules to favour a good carbon balance in the industry?

Does the Commission also consider that there are disincentives to short transport chains with local consumption and processing?