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EU Biomass supply, uses, governance and regenerative actions
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The JRC Biomass Mandate was launched in 2015 to deliver scientifically robust assessments of EU and global biomass supply and demand, on a long term basis. Building on a decade of scientific insight, this fourth flagship report quantifies biomass supply and use across forest, agricultural and marine ecosystems in the EU, while mapping related waste streams and trade flows. The report calls for an integrated, system-based policy approach that respects ecological limits, accounts for climate interactions and reduces strategic reliance on external biomass sources.
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Updated EU Bio-based industry dashboard
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| To support the European Union green transition initiatives, it is important to understand the landscape of bio-based plants in the EU, as well as the feedstock they utilise and the products they produce. The EU Bio-based industry dashboard is a valuable tool to visualise these aspects. In 2025, this interactive dashboard has been upgraded to enhance the user visibility and navigation experience, and some of its datasets have been updated. |
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Eighth edition of the EU Blue Economy Report
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The latest EU Blue Economy Report provides an overview of Europe’s ocean-based industries, presenting full 2022 data and early estimates for 2023. It expands coverage to blue biotechnology, seafood retail and consumption, and includes new insights on emerging business opportunity. Compared to 2021, the EU Marine living resources and blue biotech sector increased by 4% their GVA, with a turnover of € 209.4 billion. The sector directly employed more than 1.09 million people and the annual average wage was estimated at € 22.300.
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European Ocean Pact
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The European Ocean Pact highlights the role of a sustainable blue economy. It proposes scaling up algae production through the upcoming Bioeconomy Strategy, launching a Blue Bioeconomy Innovation Initiative by 2027 and setting voluntary growth targets. The Pact also promotes the circular use of aquatic biomass, supports metal recovery from sea brines through Horizon Europe and backs innovation in blue biotechnology with funding tools such as BlueInvest and the Smart Specialisation Platform.
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Economic assessment of GHG mitigation policy options for EU agriculture
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| This report assesses the potential contribution of the Agriculture, Forestry, and Other Land Use (AFOLU) sectors to the EU's 2050 targets, applying CAPRI model scenarios. The scenarios assess increased afforestation, sustainable forest management, protection of peatlands, and pricing of AFOLU GHG emissions and removals. Results indicate that reversing GHG emission trends requires enhanced soil carbon sequestration, climate-smart agricultural practices as well as policies strengthening forest protection and afforestation. |
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Environmental and economic impacts of the EU waste management system
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| This study presents a comprehensive model that quantifies environmental and economic impacts across the entire EU27 waste management system using Life Cycle Assessment and Life Cycle Costing. Results show that net impacts on climate change are driven mainly by management of mineral waste and biowaste, and the incineration of plastic and textiles misallocated to residual waste, while internal and external costs are highest for mineral waste and biowaste. Although current EU policies focus prevalently on plastic and textiles, biowaste, mineral waste and sludge require renewed attention, with special efforts needed to reduce misallocation of recyclable waste to residual waste. |
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Bio-based innovation boosts Europe’s bioeconomy and sustainability
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A new EEA assessment highlights that Europe depends heavily on imports in sectors like forestry, grain and energy. The report, Opportunities for Innovation in the Bioeconomy, urges more circular use of domestic biomass and bio-based innovation to reduce this footprint. The report also calls for safeguards on land use, biodiversity and equity, backed by strong evidence and stakeholder input.
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European Chemicals Industry Action Plan
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| This newly presented Action Plan addresses energy costs, unfair global competition, and weak demand for the chemical sector. It encourages using clean carbon sources like carbon capture, biomass, and waste, alongside support for renewables. In synergy with the upcoming Industry Decarbonisation Accelerator Act, Bioeconomy Strategy and Circular Economy Act, the Action Plan will boost the EU's resource efficiency, chemicals recycling, and bio-based alternatives to fossil-based inputs. The Commission will also launch a Critical Chemical Alliance as well as EU Innovation and Substitution Hubs and mobilise EU funding under Horizon Europe (2025–2027) to accelerate the development of safer, more sustainable chemical substitutes. |
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European Life Science Strategy
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The European Commission has launched a new strategy to make Europe a global leader in life sciences by 2030. The plan supports faster innovation, easier market access and stronger public trust. Key steps include a new EU Biotech Act and targeted funding for biotech and biomanufacturing. To support life sciences research and innovation for bioeconomy solutions and sustainable management of biomass, the Commission will mobilise more than EUR 150 million under the Horizon Europe work programme 2026-2027.
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The Life Sciences sectors in the EU: drivers of economic growth and innovation
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| Life sciences-related sectors drive innovation in key areas like healthcare, biotechnology, and agriculture to enhance competitiveness, sustainability, and strategic autonomy. This policy brief examines the socioeconomic relevance, structure, and trends of Life Sciences sectors, showing that they account for 9.4% of GDP and employ 29 million people. In recent years, these sectors significantly contributed to GDP increase and job creation in productive sectors while offering high growth potential and innovation capacity to address EU challenges. |
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EU Scaleup and Startup strategy
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| The Commission has launched a strategy to boost innovative companies in the EU, aiming to close the gap with global competitors. It focuses on better access to finance, simpler rules, talent attraction and faster market growth. The goal is to make the EU the best place to start and scale tech-driven businesses. |
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How the Danish EU presidency promotes bioeconomy
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| The Danish EU Presidency will make the bioeconomy a key focus of its 2025 agenda, highlighting its role in driving the green transition and strengthening Europe’s competitiveness. Bio-based solutions are seen as having strong potential for promoting sustainable practices and creating new business opportunities. The Presidency will prioritise political discussions on the upcoming EU Bioeconomy Strategy and place focus on the upcoming EU Biotech Act. It will also address the need for greater innovation by promoting regulatory flexibility, simplifying rules and reducing administrative burdens in the bioeconomy sector. |
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Global Bioeconomy Summit 2024 Report
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The GBS2024 report outlines key outcomes from the Global Bioeconomy Summit held in Nairobi, focusing on bioeconomy as a global strategy for sustainable growth, with a focus on Africa and the Global South. It calls for integrating bioeconomy into national policies, launching a Global Bioeconomy Partnership and setting innovation standards. The report also highlights the importance of regional initiatives, education at all levels, and youth engagement, including the first Youth Communiqué.
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Net-zero Industry Act
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The Commission has adopted new rules to implement the Net-Zero Industry Act (NZIA), aiming to boost the EU’s clean tech manufacturing. The NZIA encompasses final products, components, and machinery necessary for manufacturing net-zero technologies - from sustainable biotech technologies to climate and energy solutions, including biogas/biomethane and CCS. These rules clarify which manufacturing projects can benefit from specific provisions in the Act, such as on permitting, strategic project status and on non-price criteria.
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Water resilience strategy
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| The European Commission has adopted a Water Resilience Strategy to secure clean, affordable water and strengthen Europe’s water economy. It outlines over 30 actions to restore water cycles, improve water efficiency by at least 10% by 2030, and support innovation in digital and nature-based solutions. The strategy promotes investment, better governance and global cooperation, with €15 billion in planned financing from the EIB. A new Water Resilience Forum will monitor progress starting in 2025. |
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Actionable Recommendations for a Commercial Bioeconomy by World Economic Forum
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A new report from the World Economic Forum and Capgemini, From Policy to Practice, addresses the disconnect between rapid bio-innovation and slow commercialization. While over 50 national strategies aimed at accelerating bioeconomy exist, many lack clear implementation plans. The report offers 14 actionable recommendations across regulation, incentives, financing, and education to help governments shift from technology-led innovation to market-driven deployment and adoption.
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