May the Open Method of Coordination be a new instrument for forest policy deliberations in the European Union?

Discussion on a legally binding instrument on a Pan-European level has picked up its speed since 2008. Even though Community legislation on forests is absent, an interest for improved co-ordination and coherence in forest-related policy action among the European Community and member states has been expressed. The paper thus seeks to explore the potential of the Open Method of Coordination (OMC) as new governance mode for forest policy. It is assumed that the application of the OMC to forest policy in the European Union may eventually aid in finding solutions to the complex needs of 27 member states and the European Commission and also serve EU as a response in the debate on a legally binding instrument on forests. The paper shows that with relatively minor adjustments of the existing policy and institutional framework, an OMC could be applied to forest and forestry-related policy deliberations in the EU.

Research highlights► Potentials and limits of using the Open Method of Coordination as new governance mode for forest policy are explored. ► With minor adjustments an OMC could be applied to forest related EU policy deliberations. ► Benefits for member states are possible when stronger forms of coordination and implementation are selected. ► Monitoring, comparative evaluation, peer review and persuasion could trigger policy learning among all member states.