The Bureau of the Standing Committee of the Bern Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats held its meeting from 22 to 24 September 2026.

During this important gathering, Bureau members focused on key issues related to the Convention’s strategic and institutional development, including the work of the groups dealing with possible amendments to the Convention’s appendices, the implementation of the Strategic Plan and the revision of the Rules of Procedure of the Standing Committee.

The Bureau reviewed progress in the Convention’s work programme and further discussed key upcoming international events, including the participation of the Bern Convention in the 17th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP17) in Armenia and the 31st Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC COP31) in Türkiye.

In addition, the Bureau took stock of progress in monitoring species and habitats under the Convention, including the European Diploma for Protected Areas, developments related to the Emerald Network, and the work of the Groups of Experts on large carnivores, birds, invasive alien species, amphibians and reptiles. It also considered action plans for the eradication of the ruddy duck and the conservation of sturgeons.

The Bureau further discussed possible ways forward for the Bern Convention’s complaint system and examined new, open, possible and follow-up case files, as well as complaints submitted under the Convention’s monitoring mechanism.

Finally, the Bureau prepared for the 46th meeting of the Standing Committee, including consideration of its draft agenda and the preliminary draft programme of activities and budget for 2027–2028.

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