One of the key enablers of the EU’s bioeconomy is the long-term availability of sustainable biomass. Ensuring or even increasing biomass supply is critical for Europe’s competitiveness. This challenge was at the heart of a panel discussion during the launch of the new EU Bioeconomy Strategy, moderated by Andreas de Neergaard, Pro-Dean for Science at the University of Copenhagen on 2nd December 2025.
The discussion brought together Uffe Jørgensen (Aarhus University), Barna Kovacs (BIOEAST Initiative), Tobias Nielsen (European Environmental Agency), Steen Bitsch (Vestjyllands Andel), and Alessandra Zampieri (European Commission). Uffe Jørgensen opened with a presentation on innovative technologies for utilizing grass biomass, showing how environmentally friendly production can create new value chains.
Barna Kovacs highlighted the strategic role of Central and Eastern European countries biomass availability, and the structural barriers in the macro-region, where sectoral approaches and lack of systemic thinking in bioeconomy hinder the development of competitive bio-based industries. He welcomed the EU Bioeconomy Strategy’s plan to strengthen research and innovation capacities focusing on Central and Eastern Europe, as prerequisite to stimulate investment, knowledge transfer, capacity building and open new markets for bio-based solutions. This priority, already outlined in the BIOEAST Stakeholder Manifesto and endorsed by the EU Council under the Hungarian Presidency, also extends to Moldova, Ukraine, and the Western Balkans.
“The new EU Bioeconomy strategy and upcoming BioTech Act I and II will be a game-changer, forcing ministries to align national laws with cross-sectoral regulation and encouraging systemic approaches at national level, similar to European circular economy policies.” emphasized Barna Kovacs, Secretary General of the BIOEAST Initiative.