The Bureau of the Standing Committee of the Bern Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats held its third annual meeting from 16 to 18 September 2025 in Strasbourg.

Bureau members met to discuss several items related to the financial and strategic development of the Convention. The focus was on the progress and recommendations made by the working groups on amendments to the Convention’s appendices, sustainable financing options for the Bern Convention’s work, and the monitoring of the Strategic Plan.

The Bureau assessed progress in implementing the 2025 Programme of Activities, with particular attention to the outcomes of the joint meeting with the CMS Intergovernmental Task Force (MIKT) on Illegal Killing of Birds, as well as the progress of the expert groups on the conservation of birds, large carnivores, amphibians and reptiles, and invasive alien species.

Results related to protected areas, including follow-up on the 60th anniversary celebrations of the European Diploma for Protected Areas were also addressed.

Special focus was given to the management of ongoing complaint files, the potential development of the complaint system, and the measures planned to ensure effective implementation of the Convention, including in regard to the Contracting parties’ reporting obligations.

Progress in the Bern Convention’s work and its strategic development were analysed in the context of the new Council of Europe Strategy on the Environment and its related Action Plan.

For more information and to consult the full agenda, please visit the dedicated meeting webpage.