UEF Governing Council Meeting 2026 held in Berlin, Germany

Monday, October 26 , 2026 55

The German Association of Foresters (Bund Deutscher Forstleute – BDF), a member association of the Union of European Foresters (UEF), hosted the XXVII UEF Governing Council Meeting in Berlin from 22 to 25 October 2026.

Representatives of UEF member organisations from 12 countries gathered in the German capital for the annual meeting, which provided an opportunity to review the organisation’s activities, exchange views on current developments in European forestry and discuss its future priorities.

International Seminar on the Nature Restoration Law

The official programme began on 23 October with an international seminar dedicated to the EU Nature Restoration Law.

UEF President Tomasz Markiewicz and Martin Krüger, representing the BDF Board, opened the conference and welcomed the participants of the XXVII UEF Governing Council Meeting.

In his opening remarks, Tomasz Markiewicz emphasised that the meeting was not only an opportunity to review the organisation’s work, but also a platform for constructive discussions, the exchange of views and reflection on the future of European forestry.

UEF Governing Council Meeting

The statutory Governing Council Meeting took place that afternoon.

UEF President Tomasz Markiewicz opened the meeting and presented an overview of the organisation’s main activities since the UEF Congress held in Ruse, Bulgaria.

Members of the UEF Presidency — Hans Jacobs, Marten Gustafsson, Ilpo Puputti and Thomas Baschny — provided detailed reports on the Presidency’s activities at EU level. Anna Petrakieva updated the delegates on communication activities, the engagement of new members and the XX Congress of Forest Pedagogy, held in Austria in early September.

Financial Report and Election of a New Treasurer

UEF Treasurer François-Xavier Nicot presented the organisation’s financial situation, including the 2025 budget and the proposed budget for 2027. Both were adopted by the Governing Council.

UEF Auditor Lars Delfs Mortensen reported on the verification of the organisation’s accounts and presented his audit report.

The presentations delivered by the members of the UEF Presidency are available here.

Due to professional commitments, François-Xavier Nicot resigned from his position as UEF Treasurer, making it necessary to elect a successor for the remainder of the current term.

Following a proposal by METO Finland, François Clauce was nominated to take over the role. The proposal was unanimously approved by the Governing Council.

Austria to Host the Next Governing Council Meeting in 2027

The Austrian member organisation, Verband Österreichischer Förster und Försterinnen, invited UEF delegates to the next Governing Council Meeting, scheduled to take place in Austria in late August 2027. The invitation was presented by Manuel Völkl.

Field Trip to Explore Berlin’s Forest Heritage

On the final day of the programme, the hosts organised an engaging field trip that offered participants an insight into Berlin’s forestry heritage and environmental education initiatives.

The programme included a visit to the Berlin forest education centre and the Müggelsee observation tower. Participants learned about the history of Berlin’s forests and explored the Teufelssee educational trail, which was redesigned and reopened in December 2025.

The field trip provided a valuable opportunity to discover local approaches to forest education and to experience the natural environment surrounding Berlin.

Appreciation for the Hosts

The meeting concluded with an opportunity for participants to express their gratitude to the BDF for its warm hospitality and excellent organisation.

The XXVII UEF Governing Council Meeting in Berlin once again demonstrated the importance of cooperation, professional exchange and a shared commitment to the future of European forestry.