Discovered recent news presented by European Commission’s Knowledge Centre for Bioeconomy
Bioeconomy knowledge highlights
Bioeconomy Strategy Development in Horizon Europe Associated Countries
The Knowledge Centre for Bioeconomy (KCB) has expanded its Bioeconomy Country Dashboard to cover 11 Horizon Europe associated countries, in collaboration with experts from Serbia and Ukraine. This update allows policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders to track policy developments, institutions, and initiatives shaping the bioeconomy in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Ukraine and other countries.
Securing the forest carbon sink for the EU’s climate ambition
In this article, JRC scientists investigate how the declining ability of forests to act as carbon sinks and the increasing natural and anthropogenic pressures are threatening the EU’s climate goals. They provide actionable research recommendations to improve the monitoring and modelling of forest resources and their carbon sink, and to better inform forest management decisions. Finally, the authors suggest a timeline for the development of these measures to better support the implementation of strategies and policies outlined in the European Green Deal.
The Emissions Database for Global Atmospheric Research (EDGAR) provides GHG emissions time series for all countries and for all anthropogenic sectors from 1970 until 2024, including emissions and removals from land use and forestry. The analysis of such data shows how, despite a 1.3% increase over the previous year, in 2024 all major emitters reduced their GHG emissions per unit of GDP. Globally, when including wildfires, the LULUCF sector results in a source of 0.9 Gt CO2eq, mainly due to removals from managed forests and deforestation.
This EU-funded study assesses the potential impacts and opportunities of a developing algae industry in the EU. Results show how algae can replace fish-based ingredients in aquafeeds, provide innovative fertilisers and biostimulants for organic farming, help treat wastewater while closing nutrient loops or contribute to carbon sequestration and climate resilience. The study also investigates ways to support sustainable seaweed harvesting and new food systems. It highlights policy actions, research priorities, and industry guidelines.
This overview features 15 EU-funded research and innovation projects in the field of bioeconomy, showcasing a wide range of benefits, from reducing environmental impacts to generating jobs. It focuses on results that contribute to Europe’s position as the continent leading on bioeconomy solutions. These include making the most of biological materials, fostering the strategic management of biomass within ecological boundaries while driving the green transition.
Bioecoconomy Strategy – factual summary report on the public consultation
A synthesis of the outcomes of the public consultation for the new Bioeconomy Strategy is now available to the public. The consultation has gathered 362 responses, more than half from business associations and company/business categories. The key priorities identified by stakeholders include increasing circularity across bioeconomy value chains and fostering environmentally sustainable production, supply, and use of biomass, particularly to halt biodiversity loss, contributing to climate mitigation and adaptation.
Circular Economy Act - Public consultation and call for evidence
The European Commission plans to propose a Circular Economy Act to enhance the EU’s economic security and competitiveness, while promoting more sustainable production, circular economy business models and decarbonisation. The Act will facilitate the free movement of ‘circular’ products, secondary raw materials and waste. It will also increase the supply of high-quality recycled materials and stimulate demand for these materials in the EU. Stakeholders can provide their input by 6 November.
The European Commission aims to support a research-driven, fast-moving biotech sector. The upcoming Biotech Act will propose a series of measures to create an enabling environment to accelerate the transition of biotech products from laboratory to factory and to the market, while maintaining the highest safety standards for the protection of the population and the environment. Stakeholders across all relevant sectors of biotechnology and biomanufacturing are invited to share their views until 10 November.
