The European Commission has adopted a new Strategic Framework for a Competitive and Sustainable EU Bioeconomy, setting a clear direction toward a cleaner, more resilient, and competitive European economy. By harnessing renewable biological resources from land and sea, the Strategy aims to accelerate the transition to a circular and decarbonised economy while reducing dependence on fossil-based and critical raw material imports.

The bioeconomy is already a cornerstone of Europe’s economic fabric. In 2023, it represented a value of up to €2.7 trillion and employed 17.1 million people, accounting for around 8% of all EU jobs. Moreover, each bioeconomy job generates three indirect jobs across the EU. From bio-based chemicals derived from algae to sustainable plastics, construction materials, textiles, and fertilisers, bio-based products are increasingly present across multiple sectors—yet their potential remains far from fully exploited.

The new Strategy seeks to unlock this untapped potential by scaling up innovation and investment, developing lead markets for bio-based solutions, ensuring a sustainable supply of biomass, and strengthening Europe’s global leadership in bio-based technologies. It supports practical, sustainable solutions across agriculture, forestry, fisheries, aquaculture, biomass processing, biomanufacturing, and biotechnology—leveraging Europe’s scientific excellence and industrial base for the benefit of climate, nature, and society.

A key pillar of the Strategy is turning innovation into real-world impact. To ensure that research moves beyond laboratories and into markets, the Commission will promote a more coherent and simplified regulatory framework that rewards circular and sustainable business models while maintaining high EU safety standards. Faster and clearer approval processes are expected to particularly benefit SMEs, enabling them to scale up and grow within Europe.

In parallel, the Commission will align existing and future EU funding with bio-based technologies and convene a Bioeconomy Investment Deployment Group. This group will help build a pipeline of bankable projects, improve risk-sharing mechanisms, and attract private investment into the sector.

The Strategy also focuses on creating lead markets for bio-based materials and technologies. High-potential sectors such as bio-based plastics, fibres, textiles, chemicals, fertilisers, construction materials, biorefineries, advanced fermentation, and biogenic carbon storage have been identified. To stimulate demand, the Commission plans to introduce targets for bio-based content in relevant legislation. Additionally, the proposed Bio-based Europe Alliance aims to mobilise EU companies to collectively purchase €10 billion worth of bio-based solutions by 2030.

Ensuring the sustainable use of biomass is another core priority. While Europe is largely self-sufficient, the Strategy emphasises responsible sourcing within ecological limits, enhanced circularity, and better use of secondary biomass such as agricultural residues and organic waste. Initiatives will also reward farmers and foresters who protect soils, enhance carbon sinks, and support sustainable biomass management.

Finally, the Strategy underscores Europe’s ambition to lead globally in sustainable bio-based technologies. By strengthening international partnerships and diversifying resource supply chains, the EU aims to enhance competitiveness, resilience, and resource security in an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape.

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Factsheet (link).