Annual Report 2023

EFI’s Annual Report 2023 highlights 30 years of growth, collaboration and impact. The report looks back at a milestone year for the European Forest Institute, marked by its 30th anniversary, strong research and policy support, growing engagement, and a leadership transition as EFI prepared for its next chapter.

Research, policy support, and outreach remained at the core of EFI’s work. In 2023, EFI implemented 39 research projects aligned with its priority themes and led four EU-funded research initiatives. Key activities focused on forest resilience, sustainable bioeconomy, governance, and innovation. Notable examples included the Mediterranean Young Leadership Programme, which equipped future forest leaders with scientific and communication skills, and a scientific seminar examining the future of European forest research.  

EFI continued to strengthen the link between science and policy. Through publications, events, and expert engagement, the organisation helped inform discussions on major societal challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and sustainable forest management. Highlights included the publication of a comparative assessment of progress towards the EU Forest Strategy goals, support to the FOREST EUROPE process, and work advancing Ghana’s readiness for FLEGT licensing, which promotes legal and sustainable timber trade.  

Innovation and practical solutions featured strongly throughout the year. EFI launched new tools and initiatives, including a forest products trade flow visualisation platform and an agroforestry-based regenerative cotton project in partnership with the Armani Group. Research also contributed to emerging debates, including a widely cited study showing that many forest carbon offset projects had significantly overstated their climate benefits.  

Visibility and engagement continued to grow. EFI organised more than 60 events, expanded its LinkedIn audience to 26,600 followers, and achieved media reach exceeding 3.2 billion. The 30th anniversary celebrations, including the Annual Conference in Novi Sad, Serbia, highlighted the strength of EFI’s network and its role in fostering collaboration across Europe and beyond.  

EFI maintained a strong organisational and financial position. Total funding reached €20.7 million, with the majority supporting project activities related to research and policy support. At the end of 2023, EFI employed 140 staff members and 19 in-house consultants, while continuing efforts to promote equality, wellbeing, and an inclusive working environment. The organisation recorded a positive financial result of €251,446, providing a stable foundation for future work