European FOREST Partnership launches: €233 million for sustainable forests and the circular bioeconomy

The European Partnership FOREST officially launches in Helsinki on 13 October 2026, marking the start of a new European research and innovation initiative focused on climate-resilient forests, sustainable forestry and the circular bioeconomy. Supported by Horizon Europe, the ten-year partnership has a total budget of approximately €233 million, including €70 million in EU funding. Its first joint call, with a funding volume of more than €40 million, opens up new opportunities for international research and innovation projects in Europe's forest-based sector.

Europe's forests are facing increasing pressure. Climate change, biodiversity loss and changing environmental conditions threaten their ecological and economic functions. At the same time, renewable raw materials are becoming increasingly important for a resource-efficient and competitive economy. The new European Partnership FOREST therefore aims to strengthen European cooperation in research and innovation and accelerate the development of sustainable solutions for forests, forestry and wood-based value chains.

Research and innovation for climate-resilient forests

Coordinated by Finland's Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, the partnership brings together national and regional research funding organisations, public authorities and research organisations. Its aim is to better align research priorities, use resources more efficiently and accelerate the practical application of innovative solutions.

The partnership focuses on four key areas:

• Forest resilience and climate change adaptation: Strengthening the resilience of European forests to the impacts of climate change.
• Biodiversity and sustainable forest management: Promoting biodiversity, soil fertility and sustainable, multifunctional forest management.
• Circular bioeconomy: Developing resource-efficient, sustainable and circular value chains in the forest-based sector.
• European research cooperation: Improving coordination between national and regional research and innovation programmes and expanding cross-border collaboration.

The partnership builds on more than 20 years of European cooperation in forestry and wood technology, particularly through the WoodWisdom-Net and ForestValue initiatives.

First FOREST Joint Call: More than €40 million for research and innovation projects

The partnership is launching its first transnational joint call (FOREST Joint Call) with a funding volume of more than €40 million. The call focuses on research and innovation projects addressing resilient forests and sustainable forest-based futures.

Over the next ten years, further joint calls are planned, alongside activities to promote knowledge exchange, networking and the transfer of research results into practice.

FOREST thus creates new opportunities for cross-border collaboration between research organisations and other stakeholders along forest-based value chains.

Contributing to the EU Forest Strategy for 2030 and the European bioeconomy

The FOREST Partnership supports the objectives of Horizon Europe, the EU Forest Strategy for 2030 and the EU's broader ambitions for climate action, biodiversity protection and the development of a sustainable, competitive circular economy.

The official launch event takes place in Helsinki on 13–14 October 2026. Representatives of the European Commission, national authorities, research organisations, industry and forestry practitioners are coming together to discuss the partnership's strategic priorities and next steps.

Further information about the partnership and upcoming funding opportunities is available on the official European Partnership FOREST website.

Details of the launch event in Helsinki are also available online.

Are you planning an international research or innovation project focusing on climate-resilient forests, sustainable forestry or the bioeconomy? The Bavarian Research Alliance (BayFOR) can help you identify suitable funding opportunities and provide advice on your project proposal. Get in touch with us!

Dr. Thomas Ammerl
Head of Unit Environment, Energy & Bioeconomy
Phone: +49 89 9901888-120
Email: ammerl@no-spam-pleasebayfor.org