SPOTLIGHT ON BIOECONOMY: DRIVING EU’S SUSTAINABILITY AGENDA
This week’s focus on Bioeconomy has shed light on its pivotal role in shaping EU’s future and industrial policies strategies. As policymakers, industry leaders, and civil society gathered at the Bioeconomy Changemakers Festival, hosted by the EU Commission’s DG Research and Innovation, the bioeconomy is not merely a concept, but a guiding strength steering Europe towards sustainability in the face of global challenges.
Bioeconomy has emerged as a resilient force, showcasing the advantages of leveraging various resources within the framework of “strategic autonomy”.
As we move forward, it is crucial to recognise that beyond its climate effects, the circular biomanufacturing market represents a €7 trillion opportunity until 2030.
Bioeconomy Changemakers Festival (11-17 March 2024)
At the forefront of discussions during the festival was the update on the Bioeconomy Strategy and Action Plan for 2025, signaling a commitment to harnessing the transformative potential of the bioeconomy. The high-level event hosted by the European Commission kicked off in Brussels on 13-14 March, with 30 satellites events held by third party organisations across Europe, to enable youth to get involved.
On 13 March, Mrs Joanna Drake Research & Innovation, European Commission) excellent keynote speech included the following extracts:
“The bioeconomy represents 5% of the GDP of the Union and 8% of the workforce. It is a force to be reckoned with. Bioeconomy is an answer to many of our interconnected challenges. We need to seize the opportunities that indeed the sector offers”.?
Mr Christian Holzleitner (Head of Unit, DG Climate Action) added the following day a call for wooden buildings, again quoted below in joined up extracts:?
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“We should construct the homes we live in with materials storing the carbon in the building. It is great way to use this kind of material. It is good for the climate. This is where we need to get to, to a climate positive industry.”
As a member of the Coalition for Circular Choices, representing wood, paper and fibre industries accounting for 3% of EU GDP and 2% of the EU workforce, EPF stands as leader of the Bioeconomy.
With our members’ natural, sustainable, innovative wood-based panels, we welcome and fully support these comments and ambitions of Mrs Drake and Mr Holzleitner.
Well written Isabelle. This is exactly what we think and we are always pleased to be aligned with changemakers like Joanna Drake and Christian Holzleitner.