Forest News has created a new forest statistics tool, based on the well-known Forest Europe report State of Europe's Forests.
The interactive tool brings together the most important information on forest use, economic significance and ecological impact across all European countries.
Thanks to its user-friendly interface, the platform makes it easy to compare data across countries. It provides much-needed resources for international discussions on forestry, where it has often proved difficult until now to find mutually comparable information on different countries' national contexts.
"As demands on forests keep growing worldwide, so does the need for a shared understanding of what is happening in forests, viewed from the perspective of production, climate and biodiversity," says Marko Meki-Hakola, forestry director of the Central Union of Agricultural Producers and Forest Owners of Finland (MTK).
The forest statistics tool was developed by MTK and published on the organisation's website in Finnish, Swedish and English. On the Forest News website, the tool is available in Finnish and English. The project was funded by the Finnish Forest Foundation.
Consistent data on key forest indicators
The statistics tool is based on the latest data from the Forest Europe report State of Europe's Forests, published in early 2026. Forest Europe is a cooperation process involving the governments of more than 40 European countries, aimed at promoting the sustainable management and use of forests.
Users can explore the most important statistics, compiled in the article Forests in numbers, which among other things provides an overview of Europe's current forest balance and bioeconomy flows.
In the European Forest Statistics section, interested users can explore data on Europe's forest resources according to their own interests. For example, the statistics can be filtered by selecting specific countries directly on the interactive map. In addition to information on forest resources, the tool also offers data on forest damage, carbon sequestration and forest ownership.
A tool for decision-making and communication
In developing the forest statistics tool, MTK's aim was to introduce greater transparency and provide a more comprehensive view within discussions about forests.
"Using forests always involves choices and trade-offs, which is why it is essential to weigh economic, social and environmental impacts together, rather than focusing on just one dimension," stresses M. Meki-Hakola.
The forest statistics service is aimed in particular at policymakers, media representatives and forestry professionals, as well as anyone with an interest in forest data.
"This service also supports the international communication of Finland's forest sector by making up-to-date, Europe-wide forest statistics easily accessible to everyone," says Marta Fredriksone, executive director of the Finnish Forest Foundation, which funded the project.