The European Commission presented a new Strategic framework for a competitive and sustainable EU bioeconomy. The aim of this framework is to set the direction for building a clean, competitive and resilient The strategy aims to help the EU move towards a circular and decarbonised economy by providing alternatives to key raw materials and using renewable biological resources from land and sea. This can help Europe reduce its dependence on fossil fuel imports.

What is the bioeconomy and its current impact?

The bioeconomy encompasses activities that use biological resources to create added value. It supports sectors such as agriculture, forestry, fisheries, aquaculture, biomass processing, biomanufacturing and biotechnology, serving food, health, energy, industry and ecosystem services.

By 2023, the value of the bioeconomy in the EU had reached 2.7 trillion euros and employed 17.1 million people, representing around 8 % jobs in the EU. Every job in the bioeconomy creates three indirect jobs. Examples of bioeconomy products include bio-based chemicals made from algae, which are used in pharmaceuticals and personal care, bio-based plastics for packaging and automotive parts, as well as construction materials, textile fibres and fertilisers. However, the bioeconomy still has huge untapped potential.

The European Commission's new strategy builds on the previous 2012 strategy and takes into account the 2018 and 2022 revisions, placing greater emphasis on industrial deployment, market expansion, competitiveness and resilience. The bioeconomy offers Europe a chance to lead the global transition towards clean industries.

Four Pillars of Strategy

The EU Bioeconomy Strategy aims to unlock this potential through four key areas:

1. Scaling up innovation and investment.
2. Development of key markets for biomaterials and technologies.
3. Ensuring a sustainable supply of biomass.
4. Taking advantage of global opportunities.

Scaling innovation and investment is key to ensuring that research does not remain in laboratories. The Commission will work to create a coherent and simplified regulatory framework that rewards circular and sustainable business models. Faster, clearer and simpler approval of innovative solutions should help EU companies grow, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). To stimulate private investment, the Commission proposes to launch Bioeconomy Investment Deployment Group (Bioeconomy Investment Deployment Group), which should share risks more effectively and create bankable projects.

Regarding development of key markets, The Commission has identified innovative sectors with high potential for economic growth and environmental benefits, such as bio-based plastics, fibres, textiles, fertilisers, construction materials, and advanced fermentation. Demand for bio-based content in products will increase, for example through setting targets in relevant legislation.

Sustainability and global resilience

The strategy emphasizes the need to ensure responsible biomass sourcing. This means that forests, soil, water and ecosystems must be managed within their ecological limits. Promoting circularity and increasing the value of secondary biomass, such as agricultural residues and organic waste, is key. The Commission will set up initiatives rewarding farmers and foresters who protect soil, improve carbon sequestration and promote the sustainable use of biomass.

With a strong research base and innovative industry, Europe is poised to become a global leader. The strategic framework will support European industry's access to global markets, secure partnerships that reduce vulnerabilities, and ensure that Europe is not dependent on a single region or resource.

Teresa Ribera, Executive Vice President for Clean, Just and Competitive Transition, said: „"The future is not fossil. The future is living, circular and regenerative. The future is the bioeconomy"“. The strategy thus ensures that nature and healthy ecosystems remain the backbone of the European economy, increasing its resilience and creating local jobs.

Implementing such a strategy is like moving the energy system from a coal mine to a solar farm: it changes the fundamental sources of our production and economic growth from limited, polluting resources to renewable and regenerative biological systems. JRi