EBA experts contribute to finalising the new draft law “On the Timber Market”

23/ 06/ 2025

On 18 June, a working meeting was held at the initiative of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Economic Development, involving Members of Parliament, representatives of state authorities, relevant associations, and the business community. During the meeting, participants discussed the provisions of the new draft law On the Timber Market No. 13227 dated 29 April 2025, as well as alternative draft laws, with the aim of aligning the Committee’s version for its first reading in Parliament. In his remarks, Yurii Andriiv, Manager of the European Business Association’s Committees, expressed support for the need to align national legislation with European standards, particularly to improve environmental impact assessment procedures in the forestry sector. He also highlighted the following key points: The issue of defining criteria for small enterprises, taking into account their specific operations and potential subsidies; The importance of adopting a core sectoral law, especially in light of the need to extend the moratorium on timber exports; The necessity of incorporating provisions for the creation and operation of a register of businesses engaged in timber processing, in order to prevent market abuse. The European Business Association appreciates the invitation from the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Economic Development and welcomes the opportunity for dialogue during the development of a key legislative act for the woodworking and forestry industries.

During the meeting, participants discussed the provisions of the new draft law On the Timber Market No. 13227 dated 29 April 2025, as well as alternative draft laws, with the aim of aligning the Committee’s version for its first reading in Parliament.

In his remarks, Yurii Andriiv, Manager of the European Business Association’s Committees, expressed support for the need to align national legislation with European standards, particularly to improve environmental impact assessment procedures in the forestry sector. He also highlighted the following key points:

The issue of defining criteria for small enterprises, taking into account their specific operations and potential subsidies;
The importance of adopting a core sectoral law, especially in light of the need to extend the moratorium on timber exports;
The necessity of incorporating provisions for the creation and operation of a register of businesses engaged in timber processing, in order to prevent market abuse.

The European Business Association appreciates the invitation from the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Economic Development and welcomes the opportunity for dialogue during the development of a key legislative act for the woodworking and forestry industries.