Denmark: €626 M State aid allocated to converting farmland into forests (European Commission)

"The European Commission has authorised a Danish scheme worth €626 million to promote afforestation. The measure will contribute to achieving the objectives of the CAP by strengthening environmental protection and contributing to mitigating and adapting to climate change", announced the Commission on 25/08/2025.

Through this State aid, Denmark aims to transform agricultural land into nature and forests. The €626 million, which will take the form of direct aid to farmland owners, will be used for tree planting, forest maintenance and the costs associated with the loss of farm income.

By 2045, Denmark plans to have around 10% of its total land area converted to natural land and forests. This agreement for a "Green Denmark" was announced on 18/11/2024 and includes:

• The creation of 250,000 ha of new forests;
• The designation of 100,000 ha of untouched forests;
• The creation of 21 national nature parks by 2030 and the development of marine protected areas to reach 20% of protected nature;
• Reductions of 1.8 to 2.6 MT CO₂e by 2030.

In total, almost €4.3 Bn will be allocated to this project…