The European woodworking industry welcomes the European Commission’s commitment to fostering economic growth and competitiveness as outlined in the newly launched Competitiveness Compass. This initiative signals a critical step forward in strengthening the EU’s global economic leadership, ensuring sustainable practices, and unlocking the potential of the growing green economy.
Calls for enhanced support for the wood sector
Recognising the pressing need to reduce administrative burdens, our industry calls for swift and decisive measures to simplify regulations across the EU. Cutting red tape will not only improve operational efficiency for our businesses, mainly composed of SMEs, but also enable the woodworking sector to scale up innovations and help drive the development of the bioeconomy in alignment with the EU’s climate and sustainable housing goals.
Employing close to 1 million people in 160,000 companies, our industry helps keep employment within Europe by fostering excellence in the European manufacturing ecosystem. Labour shortages are however a challenge, partly because of a lack of skilled workers and partly from a mismatch between the competencies required by companies and those provided on the vocational and educational training (VET) side.
CALLS FOR ACTION
1.Simplify Regulations: Reduce complexities to foster growth and innovation and tackle the existing single market barriers.
2.Prioritise the use of Wood in the Bioeconomy: Advocate for sustainable wood use in construction, packaging, and everyday products.
3.Develop the Workforce: Support lifelong learning and establish career pathways for a skilled, adaptable workforce.
4.Ensure Raw Material Supply: Strengthen sustainable wood sourcing and enhance material recovery, reuse, and recycling through improved standards, urban waste sorting, and partnerships.
“Woodworking is not just an industry — it is a driver of Europe’s green transformation,” said Sampsa Auvinen, CEI-Bois President. “To harness its full potential, we need policies that prioritise innovation, investment, and a reliable & sustainable supply of wood resources.”
CEI-Bois – The European Confederation of Woodworking
Rue Montoyer 40, B-1000 Brussels
info@cei-bois.org – www.cei-bois.org
Transparency register n° 470333818389-37CEI-Bois 2
