The European Commission has adopted a new Strategic Framework for a Competitive and Sustainable EU Bioeconomy, setting a clear path for Europe to harness renewable resources, cut fossil fuel dependence, and accelerate the transition to a circular, decarbonised economy.

 

By tapping into biological resources from land and sea, and providing alternatives to critical raw materials, the EU aims to “move forward towards a more circular and decarbonised economy and can decrease dependence on fossil imports,” the Commission said in a statement.

 

The Commission stressed the bioeconomy’s potential to strengthen Europe’s resilience, replace fossil-based products, create jobs, and lead the global shift toward clean industries. 

 

“With this new Strategy, the EU will support activities that provide sustainable practical solutions using our biological resources in sectors such as agriculture, forestry, fisheries, aquaculture, biomass processing, biomanufacturing and biotechnologies,” the statement said. “It will harness the vast potential of these resources, scientific excellence and industrial base, and encourages innovations that benefit the climate, nature and society.”

 

Currently valued at €2.7 trillion and employing 17.1 million people, the EU bioeconomy already drives significant job creation and economic growth. “Every job in the bioeconomy creates three indirect jobs in the EU,” the Commission noted. 

 

Products range from algae-based chemicals for pharmaceuticals and personal care, to bio-based plastics for packaging and automotive parts, and construction materials, textile fibers, and fertilizers—all rapidly increasing in demand. Yet, experts say the sector has massive untapped potential.

 

The new Strategy aims to unlock this potential by scaling up innovation and investment, developing lead markets for bio-based materials and technologies, ensuring sustainable biomass supply, and leveraging global opportunities.

 

“To lead the bio-tech revolution, innovation and investment need to be scaled up, so that research does not remain in the labs,” the Commission said. Scaling these innovations will require public and private investment and a simplified regulatory environment.

 

The EU plans to streamline regulations to reward circular, sustainable business models while maintaining safety standards. “Faster, clearer and simpler approvals for innovative solutions will support companies to develop and grow in Europe, especially for SMEs,” officials said. 

 

Funding will focus on bio-based technologies, and a Bioeconomy Investment Deployment Group will be established to crowd in private capital and create a pipeline of bankable projects.

 

The Commission identified high-potential sectors including bio-based plastics, fibres, textiles, chemicals, fertilisers, construction materials, biorefineries, and advanced fermentation. “The Commission will boost demand for bio-based content in products, for example by setting targets in relevant legislation,” the announcement said. 

 

A Bio-based Europe Alliance will bring EU companies together to purchase bio-based solutions worth €10 billion by 2030.

 

While focusing on competitiveness, the EU aims to safeguard the future. “Europe is largely self-sufficient in biomass, but we must make sure it stays that way,” officials said. 

 

The Strategy emphasizes responsible sourcing, protecting forests, soils, and ecosystems, and promoting circularity through the use of secondary biomass like agricultural residues and organic waste. Farmers and foresters will be rewarded for sustainable practices that enhance carbon sinks and protect soil health.

 

Europe hopes to leverage its research and industrial base to lead in sustainable bio-based technologies, materials, and products. “With this Strategy, the EU will support European industry in accessing global markets by securing partnerships that reduce vulnerability and ensuring that Europe is not dependent on a single region or a single resource,” the Commission said.

 

The Strategic Framework for a Competitive and Sustainable EU Bioeconomy builds on previous strategies from 2012, 2018, and 2022, now focusing sharply on industrial deployment, market scale-up, competitiveness, and resilience.