I. Increase problem-solving orientation of the process: A more systematic interaction between political decision-makers, stakeholders and advisors also outside the core forest sector through different institutional settings (e.g. minister/political actors roundtables with stakeholders on hot topics in a set of concerned countries or regions) could increase political relevance not only within the sector, but also outside; A stronger emphasis on problem-solving activities and less on text negotiation could potentially decrease problematic situation transnationally; policy learning activities where countries are asked to contribute and exchange information on how they go about problem-solving could thus be very helpful.
II. Widen the policy relevant theme development: More current social and economic topics shall find their way on the agenda of the FE process. This would potentially increase respectively stabilise the political relevance of the process itself as as well as it would potentially raise the awareness of the political elite and of members outside the core forest sector. A quick response mechanism that allows making political statements regarding major political development of outmost relevance on behalf of the FE process shall be developed. The FE process does not necessarily have to lean towards translating international decisions to the region only, but FE could also increase its input to global discussions. A possible way to do this (for instance in the global forest dialogue) would be the development of a Forest Europe grouping at UNFF meetings.
III. Continuously update and develop policy instruments: The development of new policy instrument and a continuous update of guidelines and important policy instruments making them dynamic and less static shall be included in the FE work programmes. Through an enhancement of its thematic leadership and collaboration with other organisations and processes the importance of policy instruments shall be increased.
IV. Strengthen the process through Institutionalisation: The institutionalisation of the FE secretariat to increase political influence seems necessary at this moment in time as strong leadership is important and the loss of institutional knowledge can be held at a minimum. Due to the fact that so many members of the FE are also members of the EU it would be important to think about new partner arrangements between both in order to enhance for instance the implementation of FE commitments in the region.
V. Establish a science platform: The institutionalisation of a science platform that systematically engages with relevant topics development and the provision of knowledge and expertise could substantially
