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Governance in complexity - Sustainability governance under highly uncertain and complex conditions: The triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution is just one of many interconnected crises currently challenging European and global governance, as traditional problem-solving tools are proving inadequate. This report introduces 'governance in complexity', an approach designed to respond to sustainability challenges by appreciating their uncertain and complex nature. Key principles underlined in this approach include experimentation, systems thinking, participation, precaution, anticipation, and care.

Transformative resilience: the key to governing Europe's sustainability transitions in the polycrisis: The EU's long-term transition to environmental, social and economic sustainability runs alongside several large-scale crises. Amidst the 'triple crisis' of climate change, biodiversity loss and the impact of environmental pollution on human health (UNEP, 2020), we also face crises in the political, economic and social spheres, including the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, the 'slowbalisation' of the global economy and trade (European Parliament, 2020) and growing societal fragmentation over values and identities.

European forest ecosystems: key allies in sustainable development: European forests are vital to achieving Sustainable Development Goals 15 and 6, related to life on land, and clean water and sanitation, respectively. Insights into the current state of European forest ecosystems, drivers of societal demands and other pressures, and their governance are essential for effective management and decision-making at local, regional and European levels. This briefing outlines the main characteristics of forests in Europe today and some key trends around their extent and condition.

How are European forest ecosystems doing?: To sustain their multiple services, forests must be both resistant and resilient. Resistance refers to a forest’s ability to resist or withstand external pressures such as pests, disease or natural disturbances. Resilience refers to a forest’s ability to recover and adapt after a disturbance. Maintaining healthy forests requires a combination of strategies, including sustainable management practices, landscape-scale planning, and proactive efforts to address the impacts of climate change. This way, forests can continue to provide the many benefits that society depends on, both now and in the future.