On 7 October 2025, the European Landowners’ Organization (ELO) held its Board meeting in Brussels, attended by Dr. Algis Gaižutis, Chairman of the Lithuanian Forest and Land Owners Association.
ELO brings together land and forest owners’ organisations from across Europe. The association plays an active role in shaping the European Union’s agricultural, environmental, forestry and rural development policies, ensuring that the voice of landowners is heard within EU institutions.
Key items on the agenda
The meeting addressed the most pressing developments in European land and environmental policy, including the post-2027 Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) framework, the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) review, and ELO’s position on these issues.
The session opened with welcoming remarks and the approval of the minutes of the previous meeting (2 April 2025). The ELO Policy Group (EPG) then presented a report on ongoing negotiations related to the CAP and future funding perspectives.
Trade, biodiversity and forestry
Members discussed recent developments in international trade, including the preparation of a position paper on the Mercosur trade agreement between the EU and South American countries.
Significant attention was given to biodiversity and forestry topics. ELO members reviewed a paper prepared by FI, titled “The Silent Protection Method”, which explores the impact of sustainable nature protection practices on ecosystems.
The Board also agreed on an ELO position paper on Nature Credits, to be submitted to the European Commission as a proposal to encourage private investment in nature restoration and biodiversity conservation.
Reducing bureaucracy and addressing climate challenges
A key part of the discussion focused on reducing administrative burdens. ELO members underlined that excessive bureaucracy hampers farmers and landowners from efficiently implementing environmental measures.
Climate change and natural resource management issues were also discussed. A constructive exchange with Florian Claeys from DG Environment (DG ENV) highlighted the implementation of the Nature Restoration Regulation and the potential of nature credits as an innovative environmental financing instrument.
Governance and financial matters
The meeting concluded with an overview of ELO’s updated statutes and board composition, upcoming projects and events, and the financial report by Treasurer Niels Treschow, which stressed the importance of ensuring sustainable financing for the organisation’s activities.