Harnessing the bioeconomy
Draghi’s 2024 report frames the bioeconomy as a strategic industrial necessity, warning that Europe must bridge the "innovation gap" in order to prevent economic decline and foreign dependency. Announced at the end of 2025, the Strategy for a Competitive and Sustainable EU Bioeconomy aims to boost innovation and support European companies in making a success of the green transition.
The bioeconomy and biotechnology are an untapped driver for Europe's clean industrial transition and decarbonisation by sustainably substituting fossil-based materials with circular, biological resources that foster a cleaner environment. By accelerating the scale-up of these technologies, the EU can effectively bridge the gap between environmental ambition and industrial reality. Ultimately, through innovation Europe can reduce critical dependencies on imported inputs, supports our security in the long term, and build EU strategic autonomy and leadership in the global green tech race.
A Renew Europe seminar, drawing together the expertise and experience of diverse but innovative sectors, exploring the barriers and best practice, will facilitate charting the policy path forward in order to sustainably harness the potential of the bioeconomy.
Programme:
08.00 - 08.05 Welcome & Introductory Remarks – Renew MEP
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08.05 - 08.15 European Environmental Bureau – Eva Bille, Head of Circular Economy
08.15 - 08.25 Metsä Group, Julia Jouvençon, Manager, Corporate Affairs
08.25 - 08.35 Novonesis – Jens Kolind, Senior Vice President
08.35 - 08.45 Irish Co-operative Organisation Society – John Brosnan, Bioeconomy Executive (Online)
08.45 - 08.55 European Algae Biomass Association (Online)
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08.55 - 09.25 Q&A - moderated by Renew MEP - (30 mins)
09.25 - 09.30 Closing remarks – Renew MEP