Is deforestation and forest degradation occurring within the EU?
Intensive deforestation has occurred over much of Europe at different times in its history. Today the phenomenon is marginal and restricted to only a few regions. A reforestation trend is actually occurring in many EU Member States as a direct result of tree planting and the natural tree growth on formerly cultivated land. Forest degradation usually occurs as a result of frequent fires (mostly caused by humans and recurring often in the Mediterranean region), excessive grazing and poor forest management. The EU priorities to address this problem are the need for wildfire control measures, the promotion of sustainable forest management and biodiversity conservation.
