Revision of the LULUCF Regulation: Strengthening the role of the land use, land-use change and forestry sector in climate action

Briefing 03-05-2023

To align regulations and policies with the legally binding goals – delivering, by 2030, a 55 % net greenhouse gas emissions reduction compared with 1990, and reaching climate neutrality in Europe by 2050 – on 14 July 2021,the European Commission presented its first proposals under the 'fit for 55' package. The package included amendments to Regulation (EU) 2018/841 on emissions and removals from land use, land-use change and forestry (the LULUCF Regulation). Industry stakeholders fear too rigid frameworks, drawing attention to local circumstances and integrated value chains. Environmental organisations broadly find LULUCF removals ambitions too low, calling for carbon storage through protection of nature sites rather than storage in wood products. The European Parliament and Council adopted their positions in June 2022. A trilogue agreement, reached on 11 November 2022, changes the approach from balancing emissions and removals in the LULUCF sector to increasing removals. In 2030, LULUCF carbon removals will need to reach 310 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent. Parliament approved the agreed text on 14 March 2023. The regulation was published in the Official Journal on 21 April, and enters into force on 11 May. Fifth edition. The 'EU Legislation in Progress' briefings are updated at key stages throughout the legislative procedure.