The European Commission has unveiled a Strategic Framework for a Competitive and Sustainable EU Bioeconomy, charting a path for Europe to boost green growth, strengthen resilience, and reduce reliance on fossil imports. By using renewable biological resources from land and sea, the EU aims to accelerate a circular, decarbonised economy while creating jobs and fostering innovation.
The bioeconomy already contributes up to €2.7 trillion and 17.1 million jobs in Europe, with every direct job supporting three indirect ones. The Strategy focuses on scaling up bio-based innovations in sectors such as agriculture, forestry, fisheries, biomanufacturing, chemicals, plastics, textiles, construction materials, and biotechnologies. Public and private investment, simplified regulations, and the proposed Bioeconomy Investment Deployment Group will help bring research from lab to market.
To boost demand, the Strategy includes the creation of a Bio-based Europe Alliance, targeting €10 billion in collective purchases by 2030. Sustainable biomass sourcing, circularity through secondary biomass, and initiatives rewarding environmentally responsible practices will secure long-term supply.
Europe’s strong research base and industrial capacity will enable it to compete globally in bio-based solutions while fostering resilient supply chains. Building on the 2012 Bioeconomy Strategy and subsequent reviews, this new framework prioritises market deployment, competitiveness, and sustainability.
