Due to Covid-19, the most significant challenge of 2020 was uncertainty, which required the swift adoption of evidence-based decisions while flexibly responding to changes in the situation.

EU decisions regarding the "Green Deal" are far more important than the current situation concerning various restrictions to curb the spread of the Covid-19 virus, as these decisions will fundamentally change many paradigms and beliefs – both regarding the products we manufacture and what we consume in production, and how the manufacturing process itself takes place, specifically in relation to environmental impact. Undeniably, every company will have to do its homework and must be able to change, but the state must also do its homework. Overall, the Latvian forest sector supports the "Green Deal", but the most essential question is how we understand the situation in Latvia today and what our goals will be in 10, 20 or 50 years. Undeniably, the demand for timber products will increase, and this will create opportunities to make even better use of the forest's economic potential for both timber product manufacturers and forest owners. The "Green Deal" is not solely and exclusively about biodiversity; it is about climate neutrality and many other aspects that Europe as a whole will need to achieve. Therefore, the most important question is one of balance. A high-quality discussion about this is necessary in Latvia, as it is certainly not in society's interest to harm ourselves.