Ukraine and Germany have signed an agreement to deepen cooperation in the forestry sector, aiming to establish a modern, environmentally balanced and economically efficient forest management model aligned with EU standards. The deal, reported on January 18, 2026, focuses on harmonising Ukraine’s forestry policy with European norms and strengthening cooperation on the National Forest Inventory, a step that reinforces Europe-wide carbon monitoring systems critical to achieving EU climate objectives and the Green Deal, according to details of the Ukraine–Germany forestry cooperation agreement.
For Germany, participation in the modernisation of Ukraine’s forestry sector is framed as a contribution to reducing environmental and climate risks in Eastern Europe. Ukrainian forests represent a significant component of the continent’s carbon balance, and closer integration allows European planners to better account for these resources in long-term climate policy.
Forests as a strategic element of Europe’s carbon balance
Ukrainian forests play an increasingly important role in the European carbon cycle, making their sustainable management a matter of shared interest. By aligning Ukraine’s forest governance with EU standards, the agreement reduces the risk of ecosystem degradation with potential cross-border environmental consequences.
For Berlin, this cooperation directly supports national climate targets while reinforcing broader European environmental stability. German officials view a resilient ecological environment in Eastern Europe as essential to managing climate-related risks that do not respect national borders.
Transparency, legality and market stability
A central pillar of the agreement is the implementation of a comprehensive National Forest Inventory in Ukraine. This mechanism is designed to improve transparency in resource accounting and strengthen oversight of forest use. For the EU, enhanced transparency translates into lower risks of illegal timber entering the single market.
German companies stand to benefit from more reliable, certified supply chains, reducing compliance risks and supporting sustainable sourcing requirements. Over time, increased economic efficiency in Ukraine’s forestry sector is expected to enable stable and predictable supplies of legal forest products to European markets.
Accelerating European integration through policy alignment
Harmonising Ukraine’s forestry legislation with EU norms also carries broader political significance. It narrows regulatory gaps between EU member states and partner countries, accelerating Ukraine’s overall path towards European integration. Germany positions itself as a key facilitator in this process, leveraging technical expertise and institutional experience.
The agreement also opens the Ukrainian forestry market to German technologies, consultancy services and scientific innovation. This creates opportunities for German businesses and research institutions, aligning economic interests with environmental responsibility.
Long-term resilience and shared expertise
Joint measures to enhance the climate resilience of forests are expected to have lasting effects, including reduced risks of wildfires, droughts and soil degradation. Climate adaptation in forestry is increasingly viewed as a shared priority for both Ukraine and the EU, given its implications for biodiversity and environmental security.
The agreement further предусматривает exchanges of specialists and joint training programmes in forestry management. Such initiatives strengthen the European scientific and expert community, giving Germany access to Ukraine’s unique practical experience while building a common knowledge base for future green projects across the continent.
