Commissioner Roswall hosts a High-Level Meeting on the upcoming EU Bioeconomy Strategy

On 16 May, Commissioner for the Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy, Jessika Roswall, will convene key stakeholders to discuss the upcoming EU Bioeconomy Strategy.  The high-level discussion will focus on the future of Europe's sustainable bio-based economy and will support the development of a new EU Bioeconomy Strategy, to be presented by the end of 2025. The Commissioner will meet representatives from industry and civil society to gather their input on the future direction of the EU bioeconomy. The new strategy is a flagship initiative under the Competitiveness Compass and the Clean Industrial Deal.  

The dialogue will focus on how to accelerate the commercialisation of circular bio-based solutions and breakthrough biotechnologies, while ensuring the sustainable use of biological resources. It will also explore how the bioeconomy can help the EU meet its climate, environmental, and economic objectives. Commissioner Roswall will kickstart the meeting with a keynote address on boosting bioeconomy competitiveness, followed by an open discussion guided by two strategic questions:  

• What bioeconomy deliverables are the most likely to meet the EU’s current needs, boost business opportunities and promote the sustainable use of resources?
• What are the most critical barriers which need to be removed in order to foster innovation and scale-up the bioeconomy sector? 

The meeting will conclude with remarks from the Commissioner on the way forward. 

Commissioner Jessika Roswall said: 

We have to unlock the potential of the bioeconomy for Europe’s sustainable future. This meeting is an opportunity to hear about solutions that boost competitiveness, unlock innovation, and ensure responsible use of our natural resources. I count on the useful exchanges with all different parties. Together, we can shape a circular bioeconomy that delivers for people, the planet, and our economy.

Participants in the meeting were invited based on their expertise, balance across stakeholder groups and industry sectors, and prior engagement on the topic. 

Background  

The European Union's bioeconomy is a pivotal component in transitioning towards a sustainable future, rooted in the efficient use of renewable biological resources. It is understood as biomass production, biomass conversion into food, bio-based materials, and products (including bio-chemical ones). The EU's Bioeconomy Strategy aims to drive innovation, economic growth, and resource efficiency to meet pressing environmental and climate challenges. By fostering the development of circular and sustainable practices, the bioeconomy contributes significantly to the EU's overarching goals of reducing carbon emissions and promoting environmental sustainability. Commissioner Roswall's initiative to engage stakeholders through strategic dialogue marks a critical step in building a robust strategy that aligns with these objectives. 

Stakeholders are encouraged to contribute to the ongoing Open Public Consultation on the EU’s bioeconomy strategy. This consultation offers an opportunity for voices across different sectors to help shape a circular, regenerative and competitive bioeconomy. The consultation is open until 23 June 2025. 

For more information 

Bioeconomy Strategy - European Commission 

An EU Compass to regain competitiveness and secure sustainable prosperity | European Commission 

Clean Industrial Deal | European Commission 

Open Public Consultation on the EU’s bioeconomy strategy