EU's New Bioeconomy Strategy: A Path to Sustainability and Resilience

"The new bioeconomy strategy is crucial for creating a sustainable and competitive future for Europe. By prioritizing forest-based solutions, we can reduce dependence on fossil materials while strengthening our economic resilience," says Viveka Beckeman, Director General of SFIF 

Later this year, the European Commission will present its proposal for an updated EU Bioeconomy Strategy. The new strategy arrives in an era of geopolitical turmoil where it plays an unforeseen role for Europe’s overall competitiveness and resilience. The Commission seeks to highlight the role of the bioeconomy in creating jobs and developing a new strong industrial base, rooted in responsibility and sustainability. 

To address the fundamental needs of the EU Bioeconomy, SFIF sees the following aims is needed in the upcoming strategy: 

• Establish the central role of a circular bioeconomy for European competitiveness, resilience and security needs 

• Address the urgent need to prioritise substitution of fossil-based products and materials to cut carbon dioxide emissions and external dependencies 

• Include climate policy instruments for buildings and products and a revision of the LULUCF framework 

• Include initiatives for regulatory simplification and biomass mobilisation 

The European Commission's formal adoption of the strategy is expected in the fourth quarter of this year. Until June 26, the Commission has an open consultation for input and feedback on the work on the strategy.