University of Forestry, Sofia

EU Legislative Interests

The University of Forestry – Sofia engages in interest representation activities related to EU legislative proposals, strategies, and policy frameworks that directly impact forestry, biodiversity conservation, ecosystem services, landscape management, sustainable rural development, and higher education in the environmental sciences. The most recent and relevant initiatives include: 1. Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the certification of carbon removals (COM/2022/672 final) – with implications for the development of robust, science-based methodologies for measuring and verifying carbon sequestration in forests, agroforestry systems, and other land uses. 2. EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030: Bringing nature back into our lives (COM/2020/380 final) – including its targets on ecosystem restoration, protection of at least 30% of EU land, and the integration of biodiversity considerations into forestry and land management practices. 3. Nature Restoration Regulation – setting legally binding targets for the restoration of degraded ecosystems, with strong links to the University’s research and applied projects in habitat restoration, afforestation, and integrated landscape planning. 4. EU Forest Strategy for 2030 (COM/2021/572 final) – including measures for sustainable forest management, climate adaptation, biodiversity enhancement, and rural job creation, all directly relevant to the University’s forestry education, research, and demonstration forests. 5. Proposal for a Soil Monitoring and Resilience Directive (COM/2023/416 final) – supporting soil health assessment, sustainable land use, and erosion prevention, where the University contributes expertise in land management and ecological monitoring. 6. Common Agricultural Policy 2023–2027 (Regulation (EU) 2021/2115 and related acts) – particularly measures related to agroforestry, eco-schemes, biodiversity-friendly practices, and rural innovation, where the University provides scientific input and capacity building. 7. Proposal for a Regulation on nature credits and nature-positive certification methodologies (in preparation, following COM(2025) “A roadmap towards Nature Credits”) – including development of monitoring indicators, certification schemes, and governance frameworks for market-based nature protection mechanisms. 8. EU Climate Law (Regulation (EU) 2021/1119) – as it sets the legal framework for climate neutrality by 2050, influencing forest management, carbon accounting, and ecosystem-based climate adaptation strategies. 9. European Green Deal (COM/2019/640 final) and associated initiatives – particularly those focused on nature-based solutions, circular bioeconomy, and sustainable resource use. 10. EU Strategy on Adaptation to Climate Change (COM/2021/82 final) – with relevance to forestry adaptation planning, disaster risk reduction, and resilience of ecosystems to extreme weather events. 11. Habitats Directive (Council Directive 92/43/EEC) and Birds Directive (Directive 2009/147/EC) – including the management of Natura 2000 sites, habitat monitoring, and species conservation research. 12. LIFE Programme Regulation (EU) 2021/783 – as a key funding instrument for environmental, climate, and biodiversity projects in which the University actively participates. Through applied research, policy analysis, and stakeholder collaboration, the University of Forestry contributes to the scientific evidence base and practical implementation pathways for these legislative proposals and strategies. By engaging with EU institutions, the University aims to ensure that upcoming regulations and policies are informed by robust science, field-tested solutions, and integrated approaches to nature conservation, forestry, and sustainable rural development.

Communication Activities

The University of Forestry – Sofia engages with EU institutions primarily through participation in EU-funded research and innovation projects (Horizon Europe, Interreg, Erasmus+), policy-focused expert groups, and structured stakeholder consultations organised by the European Commission and the European Parliament. Recent outreach activities include: - Responding to European Commission public consultations and calls for evidence on biodiversity, forestry, ecosystem restoration, carbon removals certification, and sustainable land use. - Providing scientific expertise and case studies in workshops and hearings convened by the Commission’s Directorate-General for Environment (DG ENV), Directorate-General for Climate Action (DG CLIMA), and Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development (DG AGRI). - Participating in advisory and working groups related to the implementation of the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030, the EU Forest Strategy for 2030, and the preparation of the Nature Restoration Regulation. - Contributing to technical discussions and policy papers under the HORIZON Programme and Interreg projects, shared with relevant Commission services as part of policy feedback loops. Presenting research findings and recommendations at EU-level conferences and side events, including those hosted by the European Committee of the Regions and the European Parliament’s Intergroup on Climate Change, Biodiversity and Sustainable Development. Through these channels, the University ensures that its scientific and educational expertise informs EU policy development, implementation, and evaluation in the areas of biodiversity conservation, sustainable forestry, and ecosystem services.

Interests Represented

Does not represent commercial interests

Member Of

The University of Forestry itself has a structured membership base consisting of: - Academic staff actively involved in more than 30 national and international research and educational projects in 2024 - Research centers and laboratories, including the Center for Entrepreneurship Promotion and the Laboratory for Climate Innovation, which act as hubs connecting students, researchers, and partner organizations in entrepreneurship, circular economy, and climate-related initiatives - Partnerships with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and start-ups through innovation incubators, providing mentoring, consulting, and business support - Collaboration with professional chambers and industry associations