COMMISSION STAFF WORKING DOCUMENT Accompanying the document REPORT FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT, THE COUNCIL, THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMITTEE AND THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS EU Bioeconomy Strategy Progress Report European Bioeconomy policy: stocktaking and future developments
Date: 2022-06-09
Institutions: Directorate-General for Research and Innovation, European Commission
Subjects: EU strategy, biotechnology, climate change, conservation of resources, green economy, innovation, management of resources, natural resources, renewable energy, sustainable development

EN 

  EN 

   EUROPEAN COMMISSION  Brussels, 9.6.2022  SWD(2022) 162 final  COMMISSION STAFF WORKING DOCUMENT   Accompanying the document REPORT FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT, THE COUNCIL, THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMITTEE AND THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS EU Bioeconomy Strategy Progress Report  European Bioeconomy policy: stocktaking and future developments {COM(2022) 283 final}  
 
 
1 

Introduction ........................................................................................................................ 3 

2  Development of the Bioeconomy in Europe - data basis ................................................... 4 

2.1  Development of bioeconomy strategies at national and regional level ....................... 4 

2.2  Supply, transformation and use of biomass   ............................................................... 7 

2.3  Jobs and value added in bioeconomy sectors .............................................................. 8 

2.4  Innovation and the bio-based industry ....................................................................... 13 

2.5  Ecosystems ................................................................................................................ 14 

3  The Bioeconomy Monitoring Framework ........................................................................ 16 

4  Bioeconomy in the context of the European Green Deal ................................................. 19 

5  Detailed report on the Bioeconomy Action Plan .............................................................. 24 

Action  1.1  -  Mobilise  public  and  private  stakeholders,  in  research,  demonstration  and 
deployment of sustainable, inclusive and circular bio-based solutions ..................... 24 

Action 1.2 - Launch of the Circular Bioeconomy Thematic Investment Platform ........... 30 

Action  1.3  -  Study  and  analysis  of  enablers  and  bottlenecks  and  provide  voluntary 
guidance to the deployment of bio-based innovations .............................................. 31 

Action 1.4 - Promote and/or develop standards and emerging market-based incentives, and 
improve  labels  applicable  to  bio-based  products  on  the  basis  of  reliable  and 
comparable data on environmental and climate performance ................................... 34 

Action 1.5 - Facilitate the development of new sustainable biorefineries and confirm the 
type and estimated potential ...................................................................................... 35 

Action 1.6 - Research and innovation investments for the development of substitutes to 
fossil based materials that are bio-based, recyclable and marine biodegradable, and of 
bio-remediation  methods  by  mobilising  the  key  actors  in  the  relevant  value  chains 
including  the  plastics  value  chain  and  to  contribute  to  plastic-free,  healthy  and 
productive European seas and oceans ........................................................................ 38 

Action 2.1 - A Strategic Deployment Agenda for sustainable food and farming systems, 
forestry and bio-based production in a circular bioeconomy .................................... 41 

Action 2.2 - Pilot actions to support local bioeconomy development (rural, coastal, urban) 
via Commission instruments and programmes .......................................................... 41 

Action 2.3 - Set up an EU Bioeconomy policy support facility and a European Bioeconomy 
Forum for Members States Forum for Members States ............................................ 48 

Action 2.4 - Promote education, training and skills across the bioeconomy .................... 50 

Action 3.1 - Enhance the knowledge on the bioeconomy, including on biodiversity and 
ecosystems to deploy it within safe ecological limits, and make it accessible through 
the Knowledge Centre for Bioeconomy .................................................................... 51 

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Action 3.2 Increase observation, measurement, monitoring and reporting capabilities and 
build  an  EU-wide,  internationally  coherent  monitoring  system  to  track  economic, 
environmental and social progress towards a sustainable bioeconomy ..................... 55 

Action 3.3 Provide voluntary guidance to operate the bioeconomy within safe ecological 
limits .......................................................................................................................... 59 

Action  3.4  -  Better  integrate  the  benefits  of  biodiversity-rich  ecosystems  in  primary 
production  through  a  specific  support  to  agro-ecology,  the  development  of 
microbiome-based solutions,  and new  tools  to  integrate pollinators in  supply value 
chains ......................................................................................................................... 61 

6  Brief summary of the Member States’ complementary initiatives ................................... 64 

7  Examples of bioeconomy projects .................................................................................... 68 

1.  Horizon 2020 project  -  Built-In-Wood:  Sustainable multi-storey  wooden buildings.
 ................................................................................................................................... 68 

2.  Horizon 2020 project - GLOPACK: Aiming to food packaging with no environmental 
footprint. .................................................................................................................... 68 

3.  Horizon 2020 project - HEREWEAR: Locally-produced bio-based textiles. ........... 68 

4.  Horizon 2020 project – FUSILLI: Developing new urban food plans ...................... 68 

5.  Horizon  2020  Projects  Cluster:  The  crop  diversification  cluster  -  Joining  forces  to 
diversify European agriculture. ................................................................................. 68 

6.  Bio-Based Industries Joint Undertaking – SSUCHY: Developing advanced bio-based 
composites. ................................................................................................................ 69 

7.  Bio-Based Industries Joint Undertaking – CIRCULAR BIOCARBON: Turning urban 
waste streams into added-value products .................................................................. 69 

8. 

Interreg North Sea Region – Project: BEESPOKE: Increasing level of pollinators on 
farm lands. ................................................................................................................. 69 

9.  European  Innovation  Partnership  (EIP-AGRI)  –  OG  MUNTER:  Integrating  nature 
conservation, crop production and livestock farming. ............................................... 69 

10.  A National project -  BioökonomieREVIER Rheinland – Germany:  from  traditional 
fossil based economy to sustainable bioeconomy. .................................................... 70 

11.  New European Bauhaus Price finalist – TOCA Portugal .......................................... 70 

12.  New European Bauhaus Prize finalist - Xifré’s Rooftop Spain: Introducing nature to 
cities “Floating” Wild Garden. .................................................................................. 70 

13.  European Innovation Council Accelerator Programme - WOODIO Finland: Bio-based 
toilet sinks and bathroom design. .............................................................................. 70 

14.  European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF): FISH4FISH ................................. 70 

15.  European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF): BIOGEARS ................................ 71 

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1 

INTRODUCTION 

The present Staff Working Document accompanies the Commission Report to the European 
Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of 
the  regions,  entitled  “European  Bioeconomy  Policy:  Stocktaking  and  future  developments” 
(hereafter, also the “Report”).   

The Report assesses the implementation of the updated EU Bioeconomy Strategy from 2018 
and  its  14  actions,  while  also  describing  the  role  of  the  Bioeconomy  Strategy  in  achieving 
Europe’s green and just transition, as set out in the European Green Deal.  

The structure of this Staff Working Document is reflecting the structure of the Report. Chapter 
2  provides  further  data  on  the  development  of  the  bioeconomy  in  Europe,  supporting  the 
statements made in the Report. This chapter maps the development of bioeconomy strategies 
at national and regional level, provides a summary of the trends in pressures and condition of 
ecosystems, showcases biomass flows and the economic impact of the bioeconomy, while also 
providing information on the state-of-play and potential of the innovation and the bio-based 
industries. Chapter 3 give detailed background information further insights on the method and 
results  of  the  Bioeconomy  Monitoring  Framework  developed  by  the  JRC  as  part  of  the 
Commission’s Knowledge Centre for Bioeconomy.  

Chapter  4  provides  complementary  information  in  support  of  Table  1  of  the  Bioeconomy 
Progress  Report  assessing  initiatives  under  the  European  Green  Deal  in  relation  to 
Sustainability Dimensions as formulated in the five objectives of the EU Bioeconomy Strategy.  

Chapter 5 provides detailed information on the Action Plan of the EU Bioeconomy Strategy 
on  implementation,  impact  the  various  activities,  including  an  outlook  on  possible 
continuation. Though most activities have an EU wide focus, complementary activities are also 
being carried out by Member States. A brief overview on such activities related to each action 
of the updated Bioeconomy Strategy is given in Chapter 6.   

Finally,  chapter  7  provides  some  examples  of  relevant  projects  of  relevance  for  the 
bioeconomy. 

3 

 
 
 
 
2  DEVELOPMENT OF THE BIOECONOMY IN EUROPE - DATA BASIS 

2.1  Development of bioeconomy strategies at national and regional level 

The  2018  Bioeconomy  Strategy  Action  Plan  included  specific  actions  to  encourage  the 
adoption,  update  and  coherence  of  national  and  regional  bioeconomy  strategies  throughout 
Europe.  

Since 2018, there have been several developments at national level: Austria1, the Netherlands 
and Portugal2 have developed a (new) national strategy while Croatia, Czechia3, Poland4 and 
Slovakia (supported by the BIOEAST5 intitiative) as well as Sweden, started the process of 
developing  one.  Furthermore,  Germany6,  Ireland7,  Italy8  and  Finland9,  have  updated  their 
existing strategies or action plans and Finland10, France11 and Spain are currently updating their 
existing  national  strategies  or  action  plans.  As  a  result,  there  are  currently  ten  EU  Member 
States with dedicated bioeconomy strategies. The sectorial scope of those strategies generally 
reflects the scope of the European Strategy. Their actions focus on measures to promote the 
implementation of principles for cascading use of biomass, circularity, and resource efficiency, 
investments in bioeconomy research, innovation and market development, actions to integrate 
bioeconomy concepts or priorities within existing regulatory frameworks, actions to facilitate 
intra-governmental and stakeholder collaboration, to promote public procurement of bio-based 
products,  national  labels  and  standards,  and  actions  that  enhance  knowledge  and  promote 
bioeconomy education or training. 

1 Austria published its national dedicated bioeconomy strategy in 2019; a progress report about the implementation of key-
measures was published in July 2021 (https://www.bmk.gv.at/en/topics/climate-environment/climate-
protection/bioeconomy/flagship-projects.html). 
2 The “Plano de Ação para a Bioeconomia Sustentável (PABS) – Horizonte 2025” was approved by the Council of Ministers 
on the 26th November 2021 and published in the national official journal on the 28th December 2021 
(https://apambiente.pt/apa/bioeconomia). 
3 As a first step, the “Bioeconomy concept in the Czech Republic from the perspective of the Ministry of Agriculture” was 
published in 2019 (https://eagri.cz/public/web/mze/poradenstvi-a-vyzkum/vyzkum-a-vyvoj/koncepce-a-strategie/koncepce-
biohospodarstvi-v-ceske.html)  
4 Besides, the “Roadmap towards the Transition to the Circular Economy”4 was adopted by the Council of Ministers in 2019, 
where the bioeconomy is one of the pillars and has associated a specific set of actions for its development. 
(https://circulareconomy.europa.eu/platform/sites/default/files/md_goz_final_en_r4_4.pdf ) 
5 https://bioeast.eu/  
6 A new national bioeconomy strategy was adopted in 2020 (https://www.bmbf.de/bmbf/en/research/energy-and-
economy/bioeconomy/bioeconomy_node.html) and a dedicated Bioeconomy Action Plan is currently under elaboration.  
7 In Ireland, after the adoption of the “National Policy Statement on the Bioeconomy” in February 2018, the Bioeconomy 
Implamentation Group published its First Porgress Report in autum 2019, which includes an Action Plan for 2019-2020 
(https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/9a7e1-the-bioeconomy/ ) 
8 Italy adopted an updated Bioeconomy Strategy in 2019 (https://cnbbsv.palazzochigi.it/media/1953/bit-ii-2019-en.pdf) and 
its Implementation Action Plan (2020-2025) in 2021 (https://cnbbsv.palazzochigi.it/media/2079/iap_2332021.pdf) 
9 Finland published its updated national bioeconomy strategy in April 2022 
(https://julkaisut.valtioneuvosto.fi/handle/10024/163969). 
10 Finland is preparing an update of its 2014 Bioeconomy Strategy. The update will build upon the 2018 EU Bioeconomy 
Strategy and the Council conclusions (https://valtioneuvosto.fi/en/-/1410877/updated-finnish-bioeconomy-strategy-aims-to-
promote-sustainable-growth-and-climate-objectives). 
11 France is preparing a future Bioeconomy Action Plan 2021-2022 to update the former Action Plan 2018-2020 
(https://www.franceagrimer.fr/Actualite/Etablissement/2020/Commission-Thematique-Interfilieres-Bioeconomie-du-3-
decembre-2020). Furthermore, a public consultation for a specific strategy to accelerate bio-based products and sustainable 
fuels has taken place in Q1 2021 (https://agriculture.gouv.fr/consultation-publique-sur-la-strategie-dacceleration-produits-
biosources-et-carburants-durables). 

4 

 
 
 
                                                 
Table 1. Overview of sectors and actions in Bioeconomy Strategies of Member States (source: JRC 
(2021). European Commission’ s Knowledge Centre for Bioeconomy 
https://knowledge4policy.ec.europa.eu/bioeconomy).12  

Other  Member  States  opted  to  integrate  the  bioeconomy  in  sector-specific  or  cross-cutting 
policies, e.g.  Bulgaria is currently developing a Strategy for “Strengthening the Role of the 
Agricultural Sector in the Bioeconomy” and the “National Strategy for Transition to a Circular 
Economy”. Estonia is preparing a national policy framework document on the bioeconomy, 
which is planned to be adopted by the Government at the beginning of 2022. In Hungary and 
Lithuania, work towards a dedicated bioeconomy strategy, launched before the 2018 European 
Bioeconomy Strategy, has not yet been concluded.  

At regional level, 28 regions in EU-27 (NUTS-1, NUTS-2, or NUTS-3) have in place their own 
dedicated  bioeconomy  strategies  and  another  region  is  in  the  process  of  developing  one 
whereas 62 other regions have adopted strategies within which the bioeconomy is one of the 
key elements and 7 regions are in the process of doing so. Furthermore, 94 other EU regions 

12 The mapping is indicative of the main focus areas of Bioeconomy Strategies of Member States. It is based on 
identification and classification of individual actions stated in the national bioeconomy strategies and action plans, according 
to broader groups of policy actions.  

5 

 
 
 
 
                                                 
have  strategies  with  a  minimum  bioeconomy  content  with  2  more  regions  developing  such 
strategy. Sector-specific regional strategies that guide the management of specific biological 
resources  and/or  bioeconomy  sectors  as  well  as  broader,  overarching  and  cross-cutting 
strategies (on e.g. circular economy, research and innovation, etc.) also exist and support the 
deployment of regional bioeconomies13. 

Figure 1. EU regions (NUTS-1, NUTS-2 or NUT-3 scale) with strategies and other policy initiatives 
on the bioeconomy according to the role the bioeconomy plays (fully dedicated to the bioeconomy / 
strong bioeconomy focus / minimum bioeconomy content) and the status (published / under 
elaboration). Source: JRC (2022). https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC128740 

13 JRC (2022), https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC128740  

6 

 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                 
2.2  Supply, transformation and use of biomass   

The EU-27 total supply of biomass was 1.066 million tonnes of dry matter (Mtdm) in 2017. 
About 70% of this biomass is of agricultural origin. Most of the agricultural biomass is sourced 
domestically,  with  crop  production  being  the  main  source  of  collected  biomass.  The  crop 
residues harvested for further use represent only about a fifth of the residues produced. The 
rest  of the residues remain  in  the fields,  contributing to  soil fertility,  biodiversity  and other 
ecosystem services, or are utilised on site. Most of the harvested agricultural biomass is used 
for food production, of which the largest share is destined for production of animal-based food. 
It  is  also  important  to  note  that,  while  food  waste  is  not  very  significant  in  the  production, 
processing and distribution stages of the food chain, almost 18% of the biomass destined for 
food consumption (in dry matter) is wasted. 

Forestry is the second largest biomass source in the EU-27, most of it in the form of domestic 
roundwood. Circular flows reflect the importance of the cascading use of woody biomass, with 
by-products of the material industry or recycled wood being reused by the material industry 
again or used in energy production. As a final destination in the cascading use of wood, energy 
production constitutes the main destination of woody biomass. 

Figure 2. EU Biomass flows from agriculture (top) and forestry (bottom). 2017 data, net trade. 
Source: JRC (2022). https://datam.jrc.ec.europa.eu/datam/mashup/BIOMASS_FLOWS/index.html 

7 

 
 
 
 
2.3  Jobs and value added in bioeconomy sectors 

The biomass production and biomass conversion into food, beverage, manufactured bio-based 
products and liquid biofuels and bioelectricity employs 17.42 million workers and generates 
EUR 657 billion value added in the EU's post-Brexit sectorial composition in 2019 (Figure 3). 
These sectors of the bioeconomy therefore concentrate 8.3% of the European labour force and 
provide  4.7%  of  its  GDP.  Agriculture  and  the  manufacture  of  food,  beverage  and  tobacco 
provide  65%  of  the  total  value  added  generated  by  the  sectors  aforementioned.  The 
manufacturing of bio-based products refers here to tobacco products, bio-based textiles, bio-
based  wearing  apparels,  leather,  paper  and  wooden  products,  and  bio-based  chemicals, 
pharmaceuticals, plastics and rubber. 

Figure 3. Employment and value added generated in the biomass producing and manufacturing 
sectors in the EU-27 

8 

 
 
 
The  bio-based  chemical  market  is  relatively  small,  with  the  average  share  of  bio-based 
chemical products in the overall chemical market being 3.0%. Therefore, there is a significant 
potential for growth. Among bio-based chemical categories, platform chemicals and adhesives 
show the highest potential for growth with an expected CAGR of 10% by 2025 (Figure 4). 
Polymers  for  plastics  and  surfactants  also  show  promising  development  with  an  expected 
CAGR of 4%. 

Figure 4.  EU bio-based chemical production by chemical category in 2018 and associated expected 
annual growth rate by 2025.  
Source: JRC (2021). https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC112989) 

Note: CAGR stands for Compound Annual Growth Rate 

The role of bioeconomy sectors in generating economic wealth has improved in the past decade 
in the EU-27. The overall value added of biomass producing and processing sectors has indeed 
increased  by  EUR  143  million  between  2008  and  2019  (Figure  5,  top  chart).  The  biggest 
increases occurred in the manufacturing of food, beverage and tobacco (+62 million euros), 
agriculture  (+34  million  euros),  the  manufacturing  of  bio-based  chemicals,  bio-based 
pharmaceuticals and bio-based plastics (+21 million euros) and the manufacture of paper (+11 
million  euros).  However,  the  manufacture  of  liquid  biofuels  and  of  bio-electricity  were  the 
most dynamic sectors with a growth of 129% and 100% respectively over the period. On the 
other hand, an overall reduction in the number of workers employed in biomass producing and 
processing sectors is observed (Figure 5, bottom chart). This decline is driven by the reduction 
of  the  employment  in  agriculture.  Interestingly,  all  sectors  represented  experienced  an 
improvement in their level of labour productivity, expressed in terms of value added per person 
employed. 

9 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Figure 5. Value added (top chart) and employment (bottom chart). 2019 data for EU-27. Source: JRC 
(2022). https://datam.jrc.ec.europa.eu/datam/mashup/BIOECONOMICS/index.html   

During the period 2008-2019, the labour productivity of the (non-service) bioeconomy sectors 
has improved in all Member States, except in Greece (vertical axis in Figure 6). The highest 
improvements are observed in Northern and Western European Member States circled in red 
and orange in Figure 6. 

Eastern Member States tend to employ more people in biomass production sectors than other 
EU Member States. Baltic and Central Member States have diversified their bioeconomy, but 
the proportion of workers in low productive sectors was higher than in Northern and Western 
Member States. The latter showed a more diversified bioeconomy into high labour-productive 
manufacturing sectors. 

10 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Note: The coloured circles indicate four groups of Member States: (i) Green group: Eastern Member States, Portugal, and 
Greece characterized by a labour market highly specialised in the non-service bioeconomy (1.5 ≤ location quotient) and a 
below-average apparent labour productivity of the non-service bioeconomy (≤ half the EU27 labour productivity); (ii) Purple 
group:  Estonia  and  Central  Member  States,  less  specialised  in  the  non-service  bioeconomy,  but  more  labour  productive 
(location quotient ≤ 1.4; labour productivity between half the EU's and the EU's); (iii) Orange group: Western Member States 
with exacerbated characteristics compared to the purple group (location quotient ≤ 0.9; labour productivity above the EU's), 
(iv) Red group: Northern Member States with even higher labour productivity (location quotient ≤ 0.9; labour productivity 
above twice the EU's). The 27 EU Member States are referred to by their two-letter code: Austria (AT), Belgium (BE), Bulgaria 
(BG), Croatia (HR), Cyprus (CY), Czechia (CZ), Denmark (DK), Estonia (EE), Finland (FI), France (FR), Germany (DE), 
Greece (EL), Hungary (HU), Ireland (IE), Italy (IT), Latvia (LV), Lithuania (LT), Luxembourg (LU), Malta (MT), Netherlands 
(NL), Poland (PL), Portugal (PT), Romania (RO), Slovakia (SK), Slovenia (SI), Spain (ES), and Sweden (SE). 

Figure 6. Bioeconomy patterns across EU-27 Member States in 2008–2010 and 2017–2019. Source: 
updated from Ronzon et al. (2020). Sustainability. https://doi.org/10.3390/su12114507) 

The  scope  of  service  sectors  considered  in  the  bioeconomy  varies  considerably  between 
Member  States.  Ronzon  et  al.  (2022)  point  to  four  broad  categories  of  bio-based  services 
(Figure  7).  Bioeconomy  services  associated  with  tangible  bio-based  goods  include  trade, 
transport,  rental  and  leasing  and  repairing  of  bio-based  products,  as  well  as  food  services, 
publishing activities and some household services. Natural environment-related services of the 
bioeconomy  do  not  relate  with  a  tangible  good  but  they  are  associated  with  the  natural 
environment.  They  cover  nature  and  rural  tourism  through  the  activities  of  rural 
accommodation,  travel  agencies,  landscape  service  and  cultural,  (outdoor)  sports  and 

11 

 
 
 
 
 
recreation  activities.  Knowledge-based  services  in  the  field  of  the  Bioeconomy  refer  to  the 
production and application of knowledge in life sciences and bio-based processes. They are 
provided by the activities of bio-based architecture, technical consultancy, scientific activities, 
veterinary activities and education. Finally, some service activities support the development of 
bio-based market, e.g. advertising and market research, public administration and membership 
organisations. 

Note: Service activities (NACE divisions G to T) are represented within the large light-blue frame. As a further distinction, 
the dark blue frames indicate the service activities that are based on the use of biological resources or on the services provided 
by  land  and  marine  ecosystems  (in  the  wording  of  the  European  Commission  (2018)).  The  grey  frame  indicates  other 
bioeconomy-related services. Non-service bioeconomy activities are represented within green frames. 

Figure 7. Categorisation of the bioeconomy activities within the NACE classification. Source: 
Ronzon et al. (2022). Structural Change and Economic Dynamics. 
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.strueco.2021.10.005) 

12 

 
 
 
 
 
 
2.4 

Innovation and the bio-based industry 

With regard to the substitution of fossil-based by bio-based products in chemical applications 
(Nace C20), it should be noted that information is still limited. The H2020 BioMonitor project 
made  a  first  assessment  (forthcoming),  with  highest  substitution  rates  shown  in  bio-based 
solvents, bio-based polymers, bio-based packaging, biofuels and agrochemicals.14  

The following figure summarises for representative chemicals, plastics, and pharmaceuticals 
the  bio-based  production  in  ktonnes/year  and  share  in  total  production  for  different  world 
regions. It depicts as well the prices for bio-based compared with that of the fossil industries 
resulting in the cost disadvantage/advantage ratio. The key difference is the higher cost shares 
in  feedstock,  particularly  in  the  plastics  sector  and  for  the  use  of  vegetable  oil,  where  the 
feedstock costs increase. This can be explained by the higher price of vegetable oil compared 
to  sugar or starch.  It  should  be noted that bio-based cost  shares  are based on the bio-based 
products which have successfully reached large-scale production. These results are therefore 
biased towards bio-based products which can compete with their fossil-based counterparts. The 
cost shares of all bio-based products, regardless of their successes in large-scale production, 
would better reveal where the hurdles are for the large-scale production of innovative bio-based 
products. 

14  BioMonitor  consortium  (2022,  forthcoming).  Future  market  outlooks  for  new  bio-based  commodities. 
Deliverable 5.2. BioMonitor project. 

13 

 
 
 
                                                 
Table 2. Summary of production and cost data collected per value chain (ktonnes/year). Source: JRC 
(2021). https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC124141 

14 

 
 
 
 
2.5  Ecosystems 

Ensuring  that  ecosystems  achieve  or  maintain  a  healthy  state  or  a  good  condition  is  a  key 
prerequisite of a sustainable bioeconomy, as we depend on them for biological resources but 
also for biodiversity, clean air, clean water, climate regulation and other services.  

The recent EU ecosystem assessment shows that, despite substantial benefits delivered by EU 
environment and climate policies over recent years, Europe’s terrestrial and marine ecosystems 
are  suffering  from  intense  pressures  caused  by  intensive  land  or  sea  use,  climate  change, 
pollution, overexploitation and invasive alien species.  

The EU ecosystem assessment is based on a single, comparable methodology using European 
data on trends of pressures and condition relative to the policy baseline 2010. The assessment 
integrates the information from 132 pressure and condition indicators for which trend data are 
available at EU scale.  

The following main conclusions are drawn (see summary in Figure 8): Pressures on ecosystems 
exhibit different trends. Land take, or the sealing of soil by impervious substrates, is increasing. 
The adverse impacts of climate change on ecosystems are increasing. Atmospheric emissions 
of air pollutants and critical loads of nitrogen are decreasing but the absolute values of all these 
pressures remain too high. Although no trends could be established, invasive alien species of 
union concern are observed in all ecosystems, but their impact is particularly high in urban 
ecosystems and grasslands. Pressures from overfishing activities and marine pollution are still 
high. In the long term, air and freshwater quality is improving. In forests and agroecosystems, 
which represent over 80% of the EU territory, there are improvements in structural condition 
indicators (biomass, deadwood, area under organic farming) relative to the baseline year 2010 
but some key bio-indicators such as tree-crown defoliation continue to increase. This indicates 
that ecosystem condition is not improving. Biodiversity-related indicators show no progress or 
further declines, particularly in agroecosystems.  

The analysis of trends in ecosystem services concluded that the current potential of ecosystems 
to  deliver  timber,  protection  against  floods,  crop  pollination,  and  nature  based  recreation  is 
equal to or lower than the baseline values for 2010. At the same time, the demand for these 
services has significantly increased. A lowered potential in combination with a higher demand 
creates risks of further eroding the condition of ecosystems and their contribution to human 
well-being15. 

The report concludes that more efforts are needed to bend the curve of biodiversity loss and 
ecosystem degradation and to put ecosystems on a recovery path.  

15 JRC (2021), https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC123783  

15 

 
 
 
                                                 
Figure 8. Summary of trends in pressures and condition of ecosystems. The trends are based on 
changes, relative to the baseline year 2010, in a set of indicators. They are calculated as percentage 
change per decade (10 years): changes higher than, or equal to +5% or lower than or equal to -5% per 
decade are shown as upward (increasing) and downward (decreasing) pressures/trends, depending on 
the sign and the interpretation of the indicator;  changes within the interval of -5% and +5% per 
decade are shown as stable trends (no changes). Source: JRC (2021). 
https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC123783) 

16 

 
 
 
 
 
 
3  THE BIOECONOMY MONITORING FRAMEWORK 

The EU Bioeconomy Monitoring System16 is structured hierarchically to ensure coverage of 
the Strategy Objectives. These broad objectives are broken down into normative criteria, which 
are  further  broken  down  into  key  components,  as  described  in  JRC  (2020)16.  This  nested 
structure allows for the aggregation of the indicators to the different levels of the hierarchy 
(Figure 9). 
The assessment that was made in Section 4 of the main document is based on the indicators 
that  are  currently  available  in  the  EU  Bioeconomy  Monitoring  System  (detailed  in 
JRC(2021)17).  

Bioeconomy is a broad concept. As such the EU Bioeconomy Monitoring System’s aim is to 
monitor the EU performance towards achieving its objectives. The indicators that were selected 
to be presented within the nested system, have a particular meaning based on where they are 
located within the framework. The individual indicators do not say much about bioeconomy 
until they are localised within the framework: A generic indicator on the amount of biomass 
used in the EU is not a meaningful indicator unless put into the framework, for instance under 
Ensuring Food and Nutrition Security (objective) -> Food security and nutrition are supported 
(normative criteria) -> Food  availability (key component) -> Total biomass supply for food 
purposes, including inputs (indicator).  

It is not possible to attribute a causal link between the EU Bioeconomy Strategy and the EU 
performance in the different indicators. In the example of biomass use for food and feed, the 
indicator is impacted by different policies, climate, weather, trade, consumer behaviour etc. 
However,  we  can  say  that  if  this  and  other  indicators  in  the  same  group  increase,  food 
availability in Europe is improving hence the EU is moving in the right direction. 

With the purpose of the monitoring system in mind, we assess the trend of the indicators within 
the EU Bioeconomy Monitoring System. The trends can be read and interpreted at indicator 
level, or at any aggregate level. For the purposes of this review, the most appropriate level of 
aggregation is the key component level because it combines the very specific measures of the 
indicators (e.g. employment in specific bioeconomy sectors, or levels of a single pollutant in 
rivers) to a more comprehensive level that can be recognised and understood as a family of 
indicators  (e.g.  employment  in  all  bioeconomy  sectors  or  environmental  quality).  When 
aggregated at this key component level, it is apparent that some key components are showing 
increasing trends towards the Strategy Objectives while others are showing the opposite effect 
(Figure 10). 

16 https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC119056 
17 JRC (2021), https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC123675  

17 

 
 
 
                                                 
Figure 9. Nested structure of the EU Bioeconomy Monitoring System. 

18 

 
 
 
Figure 10. Summary of trend analysis of the key components contributing to a sustainable and 
circular bioeconomy. Long names of key components are: Food availability, Food accessibility, Food 
utilisation, Environmental quality, Species Diversity, Structural and functional ecosystem attributes, 
Conservation status of habitats and species, Pressures from forests, Pressures from fisheries, Pressures 
from agroecosystems, Material Resource efficiency, Biogenic waste prevention, re-use,recycling, and 
recovery Biogenic waste prevention, re-use, recycling, and recovery, Food loss and waste 
minimization, Consumption and demand for biomass and bio-based products, Climate change 
mitigation, Climate change adaptation, Contribution of bioeconomy to economic development, Value 
of raw and processed biomass, value added in bioeconomy sectors, Employment in bioeconomy. 

The approach used for this assessment is based on the methods presented by Eurostat in its 
2021 assessment of the SDGs. The Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) is computed for 
a selected period, in this case 2012-2017. In the bioeconomy framework, the directionality of 
the indicator is critical. Some indicators, when showing a positive trend, are actually saying 
that a move in the wrong direction with respect to the Strategy Objectives is taking place (e.g. 
food waste) while others are saying the opposite  with  their positive trends (e.g.  food waste 
recovery).  

The conceptual framework of the EU Bioeconomy Monitoring System foresees a total of 49 
key components (see Figure 9). Here we present only 20. The reasons many are not shown are 
due to the gaps in the indicators. Details are described in JRC 202118. 

18 Kilsedar, C., Girardi, I., Gerlach, H. and Mubareka, S., Implementation of the EU Bioeconomy Monitoring System 
dashboards, Publications Office of the European Union, Luxembourg, ISBN 978-92-76-46204-0 (online), 
doi:10.2760/691217 (online), JRC127762. 

19 

 
 
 
 
                                                 
4  BIOECONOMY IN THE CONTEXT OF THE EUROPEAN GREEN DEAL 

Table 1 of the Bioeconomy Strategy Progress Report provides an assessment of EU Green Deal initiatives in relation to bioeconomy sustainability 
objectives.  The  table  shows  how  the  European  Green  Deal  initiatives  focus  on  (‘dark  green’)  or  support  (‘medium  green’)  the  sustainability 
objectives of the EU Bioeconomy Strategy), though the assessment does not prejudge the actual impact that the initiatives will have. In some cases, 
links between the European Green Deal initiative and the objective of the Bioeconomy Strategy are only implicit and the initiative does not address 
or support them directly (pale green), for example as a consequence of economic or behavioural feedback effects, or increased demand of land or 
resources. In such cases, specific attention is required to maintain overall coherence possibly looking for solutions in the wider bioeconomy. 

The  initiatives  were  assessed  on  the  basis  of  concrete  targets,  their  objectives,  and  actions.  Only  concrete  targets  and  a  strong  focus  on  a 
sustainability dimension lead to the assessment of ‘alignment’. Specific attention was identified e.g. if an initiative requires resources (such as 
land) but the implications of this additional demand are not discussed. Table 3 provides additional supporting information. 

Table 3. Assessment of EU Green Deal initiatives in relation to bioeconomy sustainability objectives. The table shows how the European Green Deal 
initiatives focus on (‘dark green’) or support (‘medium green’) the sustainability objectives of the EU Bioeconomy Strategy or if specific attention is required 
to maintain overall coherence (‘pale green’). 

Ensuring Food and 
Nutrition Security 

Managing Natural 
Resources Sustainably 

Circular Economy 

[1] 

Little impact on FNS, no 
adverse effects likely 

Reduced waste reduces 
pressures on the 
environment; precautions 
for chemicals of concern 
taken 

Reducing dependence on 
non-renewable 
unsustainable resources, 
whether sourced 
domestically or from abroad 
Very strong focus on waste 
reduction and consumer 
empowerment 

Mitigating and 
adapting to climate 
change 

Strengthening 
European 
competitiveness and 
creating jobs 

No explicit mention, but 
reduced consumption 
'throughflow' implicitly 
contributes to climate 
mitigation. 

Some support to the 
economic 
transformation; 
international 
engagement. 

20 

 
 
 
  
  
Industry Strategy 

[2] 

0 

Link to circular economy 
action plan. Circular 
electronics initiative. 

Action plan on critical raw 
materials; sustainable textile 
and chemical strategies  

Biodiversity Strategy 

[3] 

Exclusion of land and sea 
area from production 
and/or extensification can 
lead to conflicts with food 
production. 

Targets on land and sea 
protection, pollution by 
pesticides and nutrients, 
high ambitions in 
protecting natural and 
managed ecosystems, 
including agriculture, 
forestry, marine and 
freshwater ecosystems.  

Focus on international 
cooperation and consumption-
oriented actions, such as the 
legislation on 'placing of 
products associated with 
deforestation or forest 
degradation', 
global/international 
engagement including equity 
aspects. 

Comprehensive 
strategies to contribute 
to the climate targets: 
clean steel and other 
energy-intensive 
industries; rennovation 
wave; offshore 
renewable energy. 
Carbon Border 
Adjustment. Just 
Transition Platform to 
support regions facing 
challenges. 
Synergies between 
biodiversity and climate 
mitigation and 
adaptation likely but 
trade-offs possible e.g. 
through additional land 
demand. 

Focus on green growth, 
including international 
and trade policies and 
working conditions 

Sustainable finance, 
biodiversity business 
models. Exclusion of 
land and sea area from 
production and/or 
extensification can lead 
to conflicts with 
businesses. 

Farm to Fork Strategy 

[4] 

Broad range of actions to 
increase nutrition, 
including through the 
CAP, fighting non-
communicable diseases, 
though no quantitative 
targets and mainly 'soft' 
actions planned. Focus on 
food safety with target to 
reduce antimicrobials. 

Strong focus on 
sustainable production 
with targets on pesticides, 
nutrients, and organic 
farming practices; 
additional actions 
planned to improved 
sustainability monitoring. 

Resource efficiency addressed 
focusing on reduction of retail 
and consumer food waste; 
overall consumption 
sustainability addressed by 
informative policies. 

Planned activity on 
carbon farming will 
contribute to climate 
mitigation; organic 
farming can increase 
resilience, but no target 
on agricultural GHG 
emissions or adaptation. 

Individual actions to 
protect primary 
producers and protect 
them with respect to 
other food chain actors 
and to fight food fraud 

Renovation Wave 

[5] 

Additional demand for 
bio-based materials. 

Additional demand for 
bio-based materials. 

Integration of resource 
efficiency and sustainability 
principles, considering the 
life-cycle and resilience of 
buildings. 

Contribution to climate 
target in the building 
sector. 

Focus on affordability; 
fight against energy 
poverty; various 
financial instruments 
used to leverage uptake. 

21 

 
 
European Climate Law 

[6] 

Chemicals 
Sustainability 

Strategy 

for 

[7] 

0 

0 

Adaptation Strategy 

[8] 

Not mentioned - 
adaptation measures 
might impact FNS 

Sustainable Financing 

[9] 

Food and nutrition 
security, indirect effect on 
land demand not 
addressed. 

Zero Pollution Action Plan 

[10] 

0 

Target on GHG 
emissions reductions by 
2030 and climate 
neutrality by 2050. 

low carbon production 
processes 

access to risk finance; 
improve chemicals 
governance 

increasing sustainability 
of chemicals through a 
'safe and sustainable by 
design' initiative 

Protect consumers against 
harmful substances, minimise 
substances of concern thus 
facilitating circularity; 
advanced materials; address 
dependencies for strategic 
value chains. 

Nature based solutions 
and systemic approaches 
are promoted but without 
concrete measures; 
specific measures on 
water use. 

Sustainable taxonomy 
includes as environmental 
objective production 
including the sustainable 
use and protection of 
water and marine 
resources, the protection 
and restoration of 
biodiversity and 
ecosystems through 
sustainable management, 
and pollution prevention 
and control. 
Improve quality of air, 
water, soil, as well as 
fighting loss of terrestrial 
and marine biodiversity 
loss. 

No consumption based action 
that reduces dependency. 

Sustainable taxonomy 
includes as environmental 
objective the transition to a 
circular economy; 
methodology based on life 
cycle approach; global 
cooperation considered; 
indirect effects not addressed. 

Actions focus strongly 
on 'preparedness; and in 
the imrovement of 
knowledge, monitoring 
& modelling of impact, 
capacity building and 
cooperation. No target 
or concrete measure.  
Sustainable Taxonomy 
strong focus on clinate 
mitigation and 
adaptation; improving 
access to green 
financing; climate 
neutral digital 
technologies. 

Capacity building and 
financial instruments are 
included 

Sustainable financing 
including social 
investement as 
important enabler of 
green and just growth. 

Reducing waste; promoting 
zero pollution consumption 
pattern; reducing health 
inequalities. 

Contributing to 
ecosystem health 
increasing resilience 

0 

22 

 
 
 
 
 
LULUCF 

[11] 

0 

Renewable Energy 

[12] 

Potential land demand of 
renewable energy; limits 
set for energy from food 
and feed crops as well as 
fuels potentially 
associated with indirect 
land use change. 

Forest Strategy 

[13] 

0 

Reporting requirements 
for biodiversity-rich land 
to promote synergies 
between carbon 
management and 
management of natural 
resources 
Additional land demand; 
strong safeguards 
introduced, such as the 
cascading principle and 
no-go areas, as well as 
lowing the threshold for 
installations 

0 

Climate mitigation 
target for the LULUCF 
sector. 

0 

Reduction of dependence on 
fossil energy; possible new 
material demand for 
renewable energy 
technologies. 

Share of renewables in 
the EU energy mix to 
40% by 2030; enhanced 
sustainability criteria of 
bioenergy incl GHG 
saving thresholds. 

Protecting, restoring and 
enlarging forests to 
strengthen their multi-
functionality and 
resilience 

Optimise wood use within 
sustainable limits 
in line  
with the cascading principle 
and the circular economy 
approach. 

Climate benefit through 
LCA; carbon farming 
initiative. 

Creates jobs in the 
renewable energy 
sector; improves 
competitiveness; 
additional requirements 
could increase burden 
on businesses; 
challenges in fossil 
sectors. 
Promote non-wood 
forest-based 
employment 
opportunities and 
capacity building for 
sustainable forest 
management  
Additional requirements 
could increase burden 
on businesses. 
New markets and 
industry investments 

Sustainable Carbon Cycles 

Additional land needs 
through extensification 
and material demand; 
integrated bioeconomy 
land use assessments to 
avoid adverse effects. 

[14] 

Co-benefits of carbon 
farming practices. 

Substitution of fossil based 
products. 

Contribution to climate 
mitigation through 
ecosystem carbon 
sequestration and 
storage of carbon in 
products. 

[1] COM(2020) 98. A new Circular Economy Action Plan. For a cleaner and more competitive Europe. [2] COM(2020) 102. A New Industrial Strategy for Europe. And COM(2021)350 final. Updating the 2020 New 
Industrial Strategy: Building a stronger Single Market for Europe’s recovery. [3] COM(2020) 380. EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030. Bringing nature back into our lives. Targets include protection 30% of the land and 
sea area, striclty protection of 10% of land and sea area; reverse decline of pollinators; 50% reduction in the number of Red List species threatened by invasive alien species; significantly reduce by-catch of species; three 
billion new trees are planted in the EU; aligned to targets of the farm to fork strategy. [4] COM(2020) 381. A Farm to Fork Strategy for a fair, healthy and environmentally-friendly food system. Targets by 2030 include 
50% reduction of pesticides, hazardous chemicals, nutrient losses, and sales of antimicrobials in farming; 25% of agricultural area under organic farming. [5] COM(2020) 662. A Renovation Wave for Europe - greening 
our buildings, creating jobs, improving lives. See also COM(2021) 802 proposal for a directive on the energy performance of buildings (recast). [6] EU(2021) 1119. 'European Climate Law’. Targets include by 2030 
reduction of GHG emissions by 55%; achieving climate neutrality by 2050. See also Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism COM(2021) 564 final. [7] COM(2020) 667. Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability - Towards a 
Toxic-Free Environment. [8] COM(2021) 82. Forging a climate-resilient Europe - the new EU Strategy on Adaptation to Climate Change.  [9] COM(2021) 390. Strategy for  Financing the Transition to a Sustainable 
Economy and EU(2020) 852. Taxonomy Regulation. [10] COM(2021) 400. Pathway to a Healthy Planet for All - EU Action Plan: 'Towards Zero Pollution for Air, Water and Soil'. Targets by 2030 include reduce number 
of premature deaths by air pollution by 55% and share of people chronically disturbed by transport noise by 30%; sign. waste generation, residual municipal waste and plastic litter at sea (by 50%), microplastics released 
into the environment by 30%; nutrient losses and chemical pesticides’ use by 50%; EU ecosystems where air pollution threatens biodiversity by 25%.  [11] COM(2021) 554. Proposal for amendment of the LULUCF 

23 

 
 
regulation. Target of -310 Mt CO2eq/yr net greenhouse gas removals in the EU-27 LULUCF sector, with individual targets by Member State. [12] COM(2021) 557. Amendment of EU(2018) 2001. On the promotion of 
the use of energy from renewable sources. Targets of amendment include increased to 40% share renewable energy, increased sustainability criteria incl. cascading principle. [13] COM(2021) 572. New EU Forest Strategy 
for 2030. [14] COM(2021) 800. Communication on Sustainable Carbon Cycles; including a target of 20% of the carbon used in the chemical and plastic products from sustainable non-fossil sources by 2030 and announcing 
an action on Integrated Land Use Assessments.  

24 

 
 
 
5  DETAILED REPORT ON THE BIOECONOMY ACTION PLAN 

Split into three action areas and 14 actions, a total of 36 activities have been launched under 
the  updated  Bioeconomy  Strategy  from  2018.  For  each  of  these  activities,  the  objectives, 
implementation, impact, and outlook will be outlined below.  

The indicators, as outlined in the Action Plan of the updated Bioeconomy Strategy, generally 
build the framework for reporting on the progress  of the implementation of the actions and 
activities. In some cases, those indicators had to be updated or replaced, as the original ones 
from 2018 were outdated and did not reflect the progress of the activity and action.  

Action  1.1  -  Mobilise  public  and private  stakeholders,  in  research,  demonstration  and 
deployment of sustainable, inclusive and circular bio-based solutions 

Activity  1.1.1  -  Further  engagement  with  public  and  private  stakeholders  under  Horizon 
Europe 

Objective 

  Strengthen and scale up the EU bio-based sectors, by supporting all stages of the innovation 
cycle;  Accelerate  the  substitution  of  fossil  resources  in  line  with  the  EU’s  commitments 
under the Paris Agreement as well as of other non-renewable resources  

  Contribute to the Circular Economy goals; Support the renewal of the EU’s industrial base 

through biorefinery deployment; help keep innovation within the EU.  

Implementation  
Implemented  via  the  institutional  European  Partnership  on  Circular  Bio-based  Europe 
(CBE). On 23 February 2021, the European Commission published a proposal for a Single Basic 
Act establishing a  number  of joint undertakings under Horizon Europe,  including  the  CBE, 
which entered into force on 30 November 2021 allowing the partnership to start by this date. 
The  Strategic  Innovation  and  Research  Agenda  (SIRA)  of  the  CBE  Partnership  has  been 
developed in co-creation with the private partner, Bio-based Industry Consortium, BIC, and will 
be adopted by the CBE Governing Board, constituted on 16 December 2021. The SRIA will 
provide the basis of the first Work Programme (2022) of the Partnership and is expected to be 
adopted by the CBE Governing Board in Q1 2022. First 2022 call CBE is expected to open by 
mid-2022. 

Indicators 

  Established partnerships, including governance structures   
  CBE Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda (SIRA), developed jointly by the EC and 

bio-based industry (BIC), CBE annual Work programmes 

Impacts by 2027-2030 include: 
Environmental: Help the EU meet the climate change targets (fossil material substitution, carbon 
stores and sinks) and reduce long-term net emissions while preserving and restoring ecosystem 
services  and  biodiversity;  Circularity:  Closed-loop  production  and  processing  of  bio-based 
resources.  Social:  Revenue  generation  for  primary  producers.  Additional  (skilled)  job 
opportunities in rural areas. Inclusive business models. Rural regeneration by reindustrialisation. 

25 

 
 
Economic:  Building  productivity,  competitiveness  and  growth  in  a  world  of  resource 
constraints. Security of raw materials supplies by using local resources. Scale of investments in 
bio-refinery  infrastructure  and  related  logistics.  Partnering:  Leverage  of  investments, 
engagement and commitment of relevant actors. 

Outlook 

The  Circular  Bio-based  Europe  Partnership  will  draw  on  lessons  learned  from  preceding 
public-private partnership, included in the CBE Impact Assessment, Bio-based Industry Joint 
Undertaking. Improved engagement with Member States and public authorities at regional and 
local levels, concerning bio-based innovation. Opening avenues for better synergies with the 
EU regional policies and their instruments (e.g. ESIF), crucial in the deployment phase both 
for investments in infrastructure and for tapping the biomass potential. CBE Partnership will 
contribute to this objective via deployment groups, including on primary biomass production 

Box 1: European bio-based industry initiatives  
(Public-Private Partnerships BBI JU and CBE JU) 

The establishment of the Bio-based Industries Joint Undertaking (BBI JU) is one of the main 
results of the 2012 EU Bioeconomy Strategy and its Action Plan19. BBI JU was launched in 
201420 and was  operating until  2021, with  the aims to  attract  consistent private investment, 
promote R&I along whole values chains, to avoid fragmentation and duplication of efforts, and 
improve coordination in innovation activities of European bio-based industries. To support BBI 
JU.  the  EU,  represented  by  the  European  Commission  allocated  EUR  975  million,  to  be 
matched by EUR 2.73 billion from the private sector represented by the Bio-based Industries 
Consortium (BIC). BIC originally included 35 bio-based companies and its membership has 
grown  to  over  250  (of  which  150  associated  members)  entities  from  across  different  value 
chains21, out of which 80% SMEs. By de-risking investments and financing projects in the bio-
based  industries,  the  BBI  JU  created  a  positive  impact  on  the  environment,  society  and 
economy22, as (partialy) confirmed by its interim evaluation23. Through its 142 projects, BBI 
JU has contributed to the transition towards a zero-emission, circular economy, protection of 
the  environment,  ecosystems  and  biodiversity  by  developing  new  bio-based  products, 
chemicals and materials with a lower environmental impact than their fossil-based alternatives.  

19 Commission Communication on Innovating for Sustainable Growth: A Bioeconomy for Europe“ {COM(2012) 60 final], 
Action A10 Promote the setting up of networks with the required logistics for integrated and diversified biorefineries, 
demonstration and pilot plants across Europe, including the necessary logistics and supply chains for a cascading use of 
biomass and waste streams. Start negotiations to establish a research and innovation PPP for bio-based industries at 
European level (by 2013). 
20 Council Regulation (EU) 560/2014 amended by Council Regulation (EU) 2018/121 https://www.bbi-europe.eu 
21 https://biconsortium.eu/sites/biconsortium.eu/files/documents/BIC%20members%20list%20January%202020.pdf 
22 www.bbi.europa.eu/about/environmental-impact ; www.bbi.europa.eu/about/socio-economic-impact 
23 http://op.europa.eu/en/publication-detail/-/publication/eebcfc39-ae32-11e7-837e-01aa75ed71a1/language-en 

26 

 
 
 
                                                 
Based on the lessons learned from the BBI JU Partnership24, and as one of the actions of the 
2018 Bioeconomy Strategy25, the new Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE 
JU) Partnership was launched26 (2021-2031), with the aim to further strengthen and scale up 
the EU bio-based sectors, by supporting all stages of the innovation cycle. The Partnership is 
based on EU contribution of EUR 1 billion, coupled with, at least, the equal contribution by 
the  private  partner,  the  Bio-based  Industry  Consortium.  This  partnership  will  contribute 
significantly to the 2030 climate targets, paving the way for climate neutrality by 2050, and 
will increase the sustainability and circularity of production and consumption systems, in line 
with  the European Green Deal.  It  aims to  develop  and expand the sustainable sourcing and 
conversion of biomass into bio-based products as well as to support the deployment of bio-
based innovation at regional level with the active involvement of local actors and with a view 
to reviving rural, coastal and peripheral regions. 

Jointly,  Bio-based  Industries  Joint  Undertaking  (and  its  successor  Circular  Bio-based 
Europe) can be considered as the most ambitious research and innovation  initiatives in the 
European bioeconomy. Through investing a combined amount of public and private funding 
of at least €5.7 bn in developing a sustainable and competitive bio-based industry and preparing 
the post-petroleum era, those Partnerships have been contributing to several objectives of the 
European Green Deal and UN Sustainable Development Goals. 

Activity 1.1.2 - Inventory of most promising bio-based solutions suitable to operate at rural 
conditions 

Objective 
  To identify small-scale business models and their market potentials for the deployment in 

rural conditions. 

  To increase awareness, education and understanding of the bioeconomy, its potentials and 

impacts. 

  To mobilise regional stakeholders and support the development of bioeconomy strategies 
  To disseminate good practices and facilitate knowledge sharing 

Implementation  
The two Coordination and Support Actions POWER4BIO and BE-Rural were funded under 
the Horizon 2020 topic, RUR-09-2018: Realising the potential of regional and local bio-based 
economies.  
Two follow-up topics have been included in the Work Programme 2021-2022:  
  HORIZON-CL6-2021-CIRCBIO-01-08:  Mainstreaming  inclusive  small-scale  bio-based 

solutions in European rural areas  

  HORIZON-CL6-2021-GOVERNANCE-01-09:  Revitalisation  of  European 
communities with innovative bio-based business models and social innovation 

local 

Impact  

24 IMPACT ASSESSMENT REPORT Accompanying the document Proposal for a Council Regulation establishing the Joint 
Undertakings under Horizon Europe European Partnership for a Circular Bio-based Europe {COM(2021) 87 final} - 
{SEC(2021) 100 final} - {SWD(2021) 38 final] 
25 Bioeconomy Strategy Action Plan (2018): Action 1.1: Mobilise public and private stakeholders, in research, 
demonstration and deployment of sustainable, inclusive and circular bio-based solutions 
26 Council Regulation (EU) 2021/2085 of 19 November 2021 establishing the Joint Undertakings under Horizon Europe  

27 

 
 
 
                                                 
  Potentials and suitable business models in  rural conditions  were analysed in  total  for 15 

regions (10 regions in POWER4BIO and 5 regions in BE-rural). 

  The Bioregional Strategy Accelerator Toolkit (BSAT) was made available as an open and 
free to access online platform for guiding decision-makers and stakeholders to develop their 
regional bioeconomy strategies:  

  A  catalogue  of  tested  bio-based  solutions,  including  best  practice  examples,  to  support 

regions in the development of sustainable bioeconomies was published. 

  Numerous networking, capacity building and dissemination events with stakeholders in the 

pilot regions and policy makers at regional, national and EU-level 

Outlook 
EIP-AGRI together with Horizon Europe, including its work programmes and partnerships (in 
particular  Circular  Bio-based  Europe),  will  further  support  the  deployment  of  sustainable 
bioeconomies in rural settings. The Commission will continue to disseminate the outcomes to 
Member States and stakeholders.  
To ensure a just transition in the bioeconomy, further actions will require: 
  To  promote  strong  cooperation  between  farmers  (e.g.  cooperatives)  and  other  key 
bioeconomy  actors  in  rural  areas,  especially  regional  and  local  authorities,  and  the  civil 
society (call for strong social innovation and social engagement) 

  To develop better-balanced business partnerships between primary producers and industrial 

partners, calling for new / fair innovation-oriented business models.  

Activity 1.1.3 - Exploring ways to increase the EU financial advisory support for Research and 
Innovation bioeconomy projects  

Objective  
  Examining feasibility and expected results of a few key options for increasing the financial 
support  for  R&I  Bioeconomy  projects  beyond  EU  Framework  Programmes,  based  on 
available resources to EU schemes for financial advisory services e.g. European Investment 
Advisory Hub (EIAH) and other activities of the European Investment Bank 

  For the option(s) analysed, determine what would be their expected results, as well as the 

enablers and obstacles to overcome to implement them. 

Implementation  
As  recommended  by  the  European  Investment  Bank’s  ‘Access-to-finance  conditions  for 
Investments in  Bio-Based Industries  and the Blue Economy' report, the EIB Advisory team 
explored  ways  to  increase  EU  financial  advisory  support  for  Research  and  Innovation 
bioeconomy  projects.  This  included  actions  of  the  EIB  Innovation  Finance  Advisory, 
including on Horizontal level, Financial Project Advisory level, and Financial Advisory level 
(EIAH). Actions to support access-to-finance conditions were supported also by EMFF. This 
include the BlueInvest initiative that aims at boosting innovation and investment in sustainable 
technologies for the blue economy, by supporting readiness and access to finance for early-
stage businesses. 

28 

 
 
 
Impact  
Significant  impact  noticed  already  confirms  key  importance  of  financial  aspects  for  all 
bioeconomy  (R&D)  stakeholders.  Examples  include  support  to  main  EU  R&D  priorities 
underpinning the EU Green Deal, on thematic, EU project/programme and regional level: 
  Nature-based  Solutions  -  assessment  of  the  access-to-finance  conditions  and  investment 
needs for innovative NBS projects in urban, rural and natural settings in the EU, project 
ongoing. 

  Plastics  –  ‘Addressing  Plastics  Pollution  as  part  of  the  Circular  Economy  Agenda’ 
assignment is focused on analysing the plastics value chain in order to identify investment 
areas with the highest impact, and developing a pipeline of 50 projects. 

  Mission  Investment  Agendas  -  upstream  methodological  guidance  and  specific  finance-
related intelligence to the EC Mission Secretariats (including the Soil, Ocean and Climate 
missions). 

  Bioeconomy Access-to-Finance – the study resulted in the creation of the European Circular 
Bioeconomy Fund, which successfully raised over EUR 200m and already has 4 companies 
in its portfolio. 

  Bio-based Joint Undertaking – umbrella agreement with the BBI JU, completed review of 
the  organisation’s  portfolio  of  grant-funded  and  Synergy  Label  projects,  resulting  in  7 
introductions for potential direct advisory support. 

  Regional  bioeconomy  development  (e.g.  Nouvelle-Acquitaine  Region  (Alter’NA)  – 
comprehensive web-based platform designed and developed to encourage farmers and agri-
businesses to apply for a tailor-made bank guarantee instrument, backed by EU and national 
funds in support of sustainable agriculture projects offered through intermediary banks. 
  Blue Economy – thanks to the BlueInvest so far 115 Companies completed the Readiness 

Assistance, among which 14 have secured investment. 

Outlook  
  Further  actions  of  EIB  to  be  continued,  and  likely  to  increase  following  the  EGD 
deployment on the ground. A comprehensive analysis of the impacts and subsequent policy 
options has not been carried out yet. This could be foreseen as more comprehensive data 
from  diverse  EIB  actions  become  available,  and  implemented,  for  instance,  under  the 
Commission’s  Knowledge  Centre  for  Bioeconomy.  Such  action  might  be  recommended 
due to complex EU economy-wide effects, especially if any long-term effects are included 
in such analysis.  

Activity 1.1.4 - Distributed Ledger Technologies (DLTs/blockchain) for the bioeconomy 

Objective 
This activity aims at exploring and harnessing the potential of Distributed Ledger Technologies 
(DLTs <-> blockchain) in the bioeconomy: 
  facilitate data exchange and information sharing and thus improve transparency, efficiency, 

competitiveness, security and sustainability in various bioeconomy sectors; 

29 

 
 
 
 
 

identify how DLTs could, in combination with AI, advanced sensors, Internet of Things, 
etc., address the challenges related to bioeconomy; 

  support the development of effective blockchain solutions for the bioeconomy areas. 
The  food  systems  has  been  identified  as  a  first  focus  area,  due  to  the  great  potential  of 
blockchain for this sector.27   

Implementation  
The following topics in Horizon Europe have been undertaken to meet the objectives: 
  HORIZON-CL6-2021-FARM2FORK-01-17:  Increasing  the  transparency  of  EU  food 
systems to boost health, sustainability and safety of products, processes and diets: IA, 11.00 
million  -  The  successful  project  should  accelerate  the  deployment  of  transparency 
innovations  and  solutions  in  EU  food  systems,  especially  among  micro-enterprises  and 
SMEs, and should ensure that future transparency innovations and solutions are demand-
driven,  systemic  and  cost-effective.  The  potential  of  validated  technologies  (blockchain, 
artificial intelligence, IoT, 5G/edge, ‘big data’) is expected to be explored. 
innovation 

for 
blockchain technologies in the agri-food sector: CSA, 3.00 million -  The successful project 
should explore the potential of blockchain technologies in the agri-food sector, to enhance 
transparency  and  traceability  in  agri-food  supply  chains,  to  contribute  to  increase 
competitiveness  and  market  power  of  producers,  and  to  reduce  transaction  costs  and 
administrative burdens. 

  HORIZON-CL6-2021-FARM2FORK-01-07:  Research  & 

roadmap 

Impact  
The  impact  of  the  activities  will  be  measurable  once  the  Horizon  Europe  projects  have 
concluded their work. Possible indicators for the work will include the number of European 
Commission initiatives related to DLT’s for the bioeconomy and the amount of EUR invested 
in DLT research for the bioeconomy.  

Outlook 
According to the quality and completeness of the successful projects, complementary actions 
might have to be put into place, including a dedicated workshop or a potential complementary 
topic in the next Horizon Europe Work Programme. 

Activity 1.1.5 –  Report  self-assessment tool for  sustainable chemical  production to  support 
investment readiness of the EU regions 

Objective 
The European Union is aiming at decreasing its greenhouse gas emissions while stimulating 
the economic growth and increasing resource efficiency. There is a growing need of using more 
sustainable alternatives for fossil feedstocks. The self-assessment tool (SAT) helps a region to 
conduct  a first assessment  of the investment  readiness level  (IRL) in  the region  concerning 
sustainable chemical production. 'Sustainable chemical production' is the use of alternative raw 

27 Blockchain Now And Tomorrow: Assessing Multidimensional Impacts of Distributed Ledger Technologies, JRC Report, 
https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC117255  

30 

 
 
 
 
                                                 
materials  to  produce  chemical  products.  These  alternative  raw  materials  are  different  from 
traditional  fossil-based  ones.  This  first  assessment  serves  as  a  starting  point  for  regional 
discussion on how to design better regional strategies. 

Implementation  
The  SAT  consists  of  an  online  questionnaire  for  each  type  of  feedstock.  It  amounts  to 
approximately 60 to 70 questions (around 8 per key factor). Once the questionnaire is filled in, 
the SAT generates a spider diagram with the marks in each of the factors. The marks range 
from 0 to 10. They show in which areas a region is strong and which could use improvement. 
These marks can be compared with those of other EU regions that have already used the tool. 
This will help clarify where a region stands in a European context. The SAT will also produce 
a document with the main conclusions and recommendations. This will help interpret the spider 
diagram.  The  tool  is  regularly  used  by  EU  regions  and  EU  funded  projects  with  a  regional 
dimension (eg. POWER4BIO Horizon 2020 project). 

Impact  
The  Self  Assessment  Tool  has  been  developed  and  is  hosted  in  two  subsections  of  the  DG 
GROW website: 
• European Sustainable Chemicals Support Services 
• Gaseous Industrial Effluents 
The following three types of feedstock are considered: 
• Biomass from agriculture and forestry 
•  Waste  from  farms,  municipalities,  sewage  sludge,  agri-food  industry  and  paper  &  pulp 
industry 
• Effluent gases, such as carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), 
sulphur oxides (SOx), and hydrogen (H2) 

Outlook 
The  tool  can  be  further  disseminated  in  the  EU  Member  States  for  example  through  the 
European  Bioeconomy  Policy  Forum  or  through  funds  supporting  regional  policy  like  the 
Cohesion Fund and the European Regional Development Fund. 

Action 1.2 - Launch of the Circular Bioeconomy Thematic Investment Platform 

Activity 1.2.1 - Launch of the Circular Bioeconomy Thematic Investment Platform 

Objective  
By end Q1/2020 successfully launch a new dedicated financial instrument for the bioeconomy, 
so that it could start financing innovative bioeconomy projects. 

Implementation  
  Action  successfully  completed.  Implementation  in  the  form  of  a  new  dedicated  financial 
instrument, launched in December 2019, European Circular Bioeconomy Fund28, which is a 

28 https://www.ecbf.vc 

31 

 
 
 
                                                 
first venture fund exclusively focused on the bioeconomy and the circular bioeconomy in 
Europe.  

  ECBF I SCSp is managed by Hauck & Aufhäuser Funds Services S.A. and advised by the 

ECBF Management GmbH.  

  Target size: 250 M EUR, to which the European Commission has committed 100 million 
EUR. The Fund started its operations on 1 October 2020 and up until now (Sept 2021) has 
raised  206  M  EUR  in  four  investment  rounds.  The  14  investors  involved  come  from  5 
different countries. The ECBF remains open for new investors aiming to scale-up innovative 
bio-based companies.  

Impact  
  The fund analysed almost 2000 potential projects for investments, of which about 30 were 
screened in more detail. Currently 3 projects received financing and other 5 are in the stage 
of due diligence. 

  At present, positive impact on individual companies.  
  Larger scale effects to be analysed ex-post. 

Outlook 
  It is planned that with current budget the Fund will invest in around 25 innovative late-stage 
companies and projects within the Circular Bioeconomy. Investments in the fields of energy 
and Healthcare are excluded.  

  The Fund will be able to invest with equity, mezzanine or debt instruments.  
  The focus on circularity includes re-use, reduction and recycling of waste streams as well as 
on valuable raw materials. This includes new digital solutions that enable the transformation 
from linear to more sustainable circular value chains. 

  For any follow-up, it is recommendable to conduct first an ex-post evaluation.  

Action  1.3  -  Study  and  analysis  of  enablers  and  bottlenecks  and  provide  voluntary 
guidance to the deployment of bio-based innovations 

Activity 1.3.1 - Report on enablers and bottlenecks to unlock bio-based innovation potential: 
research needs, market uptake 

Objective  

  Take  stock,  map  and  identify  the  research  and  innovation  still  needed  to  realise  the  full 

potential of the bio-based innovations. 

  Identify  bottlenecks,  enablers,  and  gaps  that  hamper  the  market  uptake  and  industrial 

exploitation of bio-based innovations. 

  Deliver the policy-level recommendations, to unlock bio-based innovation in the EU.  

Implementation  

  Action closed. Implementation through a publicly procured service contract. The tender has 
been supported via H2020 WP2018 budget, N° 2018/RTD/F2/OP/PP-07281/2018/ “Support 

32 

 
 
 
to R&I policy on biobased products and services”29 with 3 lots funding ca. 0,5 million EUR 
per  each  lot:  Lot  1  -  Carbon  economy;  study  coordinated  by  COWI;  Lot  2  -  Life  and 
biological  sciences  and  technologies  as  engines  for  bio-based  innovation;  study 
coordinated by Fraunhofer ISI; Lot 3 - Biorefinery pathways and outlook for deployment; 
study coordinated by E4Tech (see Activity 1.5.1).  

  All three lots of the tender started in January 2020 and have successfully closed in 2021 (14-

month duration), resulting in publication of the respective final reports  

Impact  
  Lot 1: final report delivered successfully30  on 11 May 2021. The final report mapped the 
current pathways available for the transition towards a low carbon economy as well as the 
barriers that hinder this transition. The authors set the scene for the future of the bio-based 
sector with a particular focus on ten case studies of regions and cities across the EU.  

  Lot 2: final report delivered successfully31 on 20 April 2021. This study presents the 50 most 

significant bio-based innovations for the next 5-20 years.  

  Lot 3: final report delivered successfully32 on 2 June 2021. This study presents scenarios on 
how  demand  and  supply  for  bio-based  chemicals  and  materials  could  grow  to  2030,  and 
provides roadmaps with actions required to increase the deployment of chemical and material 
driven biorefineries in the EU.  

Outlook 
  It remains crucial to stay abreast those opportunities, but also the bottlenecks and enablers. 
For any future mapping or foresight close cooperation with JRC – (e.g. Knowledge Centre 
for Bioeconomy, Biorefinery database etc.) can be recommended.  

  No follow-up foreseen at present.  

Activity  1.3.2  -  Provide  guidance,  identify  bottlenecks,  enablers,  and  gaps  that  influence 
synergies and deployment of bio-based innovations and report on regulatory landscape 

Objective 
This action aims to assess EU policies and regulations supporting, enhancing or hindering the 
deployment  of  bio-based  innovations  (e.g.  bio-based  alternatives  to  fossil-based  chemicals, 
textiles, plastics, composites, etc.) from sustainably sourced biomass.  

Implementation  
Several topics to strengthen33 R&I on the full potential of the bio-based sectors (agriculture, 
blue  economy,  forest-based  sector,  construction,  biorefineries  etc.)  were  included  in  the 

29 https://etendering.ted.europa.eu/cft/cft-display.html?cftId=4574 
30 https://ec.europa.eu/info/news/carbon-economy-studies-support-research-and-innovation-policy-area-bio-based-products-
and-services-2021-may-11_en 
31 https://ec.europa.eu/info/news/life-and-biological-sciences-and-technologies-engines-bio-based-innovation-2021-apr-
20_en 
32 http://ec.europa.eu/info/news/eu-biorefinery-outlook-2030-2021-jun-02_en 
33 Recommendations of Commission Expert Group for Bio-based Products (http:// ec.europa.eu/growth/sectors/biotechnology/bio-based-
products_en) and the Biorefinery Outlook to 2030 study (http://ec.europa.eu/info/news/eu-biorefinery-outlook-2030-2021-jun-02_en) 

33 

 
 
 
                                                 
Horizon Europe Cluster 6 Work Programmes34 and the Work Programmes of the Circular Bio-
based Europe (CBE) EU Partnership. However, the deployment of bio-based innovations as 
part of overall competitiveness of European economy35 to effectively substitute fossil-based 
products as well as eliminate their emissions of greenhouse gases and other pollutants - for the 
benefit of the environment and more resilient regional economies - appears slugging behind36. 
This relates to broad economic areas such as industrial policy, circular economy, construction, 
textiles, packaging, plastics, waste, fertilisers, CAP, environmental and human health etc.  So, 
in  spite  of  some  advances  (e.g.37  SMEs,  due  diligence,  green  innovation  procurement)  the 
deployment of bio-innovations merits a specific regulatory action towards a holistic, coherent 
and effective uptake, with or without a strategy for negative emissions and sufficient incentives 
for products substitution38. 

Impact  
The current policies and legislative developments (State Aid, Renewable energy directive II, 
Effort  sharing  regulation)  support  leveraging  synergies  in  bioenergy  (e.g.  fuelwood  and 
biofuels),  but  not  bio-based  materials  and  products.  Thus,  ensuring  the  comprehensive 
assessment of policy options, resulting in a level playing field and including the appropriate 
pricing for fossil resources will be critical for bio-innovations’ thrive39.    

Outlook 
The Green Deal actions strive for operating within the planetary boundaries. The recognition 
of benefits of bio-innovations can drastically reduce use of fossil resources and their respective 
pollution, and boost new regional economies. For instance40, wood-based construction offers 
14 times higher carbon storage (83 Mt) by 2050. Already now 25% (4 Mt) of plastic packaging 
could  be  replaced  by  fibre-based  ones  significantly  cutting  down  emissions  of  GHGs, 
microplastics  other  pollutants.  Similarly,  wood/fibre  insulation  could  already  replace  glass 
wool, stone wool or polyurethane with  huge reductions in  pollution. Woody biomass-based 
textile innovations replacing synthetic fibres might offer the largest substitution effect of 1,4-
4,3 kg C/kg C while revitalising forest-rich regions.  These indicates an enormous potential of 
the deployment of bio-innovations, in case regulatory actions will ensure the level playing field, 
considerably speeding up the deployment in the EU.  

34 especially, under Cluster 6 Intervention Area 6 “Bio-based Innovation systems in the EU” 
35 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2212567115014550  
36 CBE SIRA 2022 (in preparation) and CBE Impact Assessment 
37 https://ec.europa.eu/growth/smes/sme-strategy/sme-performance-review   
38 CEPS 2020 https://www.ceps.eu/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/PI2020-29_Forestry-based-industries.pdf  
39 Biorefinery Outlook to 2030 study (http://ec.europa.eu/info/news/eu-biorefinery-outlook-2030-2021-jun-02_en  
40  ASSET study https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2834/421958,  Material Economics 2019 
https://materialeconomics.com/publications/industrial-transformation-2050,  EFI 2018 
https://efi.int/sites/default/files/files/publication-bank/2018/efi_fstp_7_2018.pdf,   Fachagentur Nachwachsende Rohstoffe 
(FNR) 2022 

34 

 
 
 
 
                                                 
Action 1.4 - Promote and/or develop standards and emerging market-based incentives, 
and  improve  labels  applicable  to  bio-based  products  on  the  basis  of  reliable  and 
comparable data on environmental and climate performance 

Activity  1.4.1  -  Development  of  an  inventory  of  high  quality,  Environmental  Footprint 
compliant  secondary  life  cycle  inventory  datasets  for  each  EU  Member  State  on  bio-based 
materials  

Objective  

 

 

Identification of the most  relevant  (mass/volume  based) materials  needed  to  support 
bioeconomy, including their geographical origin; 
Identification of the most relevant production processes/technologies involved in the 
production of biobased products; 

  Development of country-based EF-compliant life cycle inventories; 
  Development  of  harmonised  PEFCRs  (Product  Environmental  Footprint  Category 
Rules) and/or Organisation Environmental Footprint Sectoral Rules (OEFSRs) for the 
modelling of similar materials produced in different regions of the world with different 
production processes. 

  Development  of  an  integrated  digitalised  solution  to  facilitate  the  transfer  of 

environmental life cycle base information throughout the supply chains. 

Implementation  
The implementation of this activity has not started yet. 

Activity 1.4.2 - New standards/labels/certification schemes published, which include elements 
on bio-based content 

Objective  
Promote  and/or  develop  standards  and  incentives  for  bio-based  products,  particularly 
regarding: End of life management, waste, compostability, and sustainability. 
Support the development of an integrated and harmonised regulatory system, by promoting and 
facilitating  the  dialogue  between  the  relevant  stakeholders  (Policy,  Industry,  Civil  Society, 
Research  and  standardisation  bodies)  at  different  levels  (local,  national  and  European),  to 
identify  gaps  and  hurdles,  providing  meaningful  suggestions  and  shared  solutions  for  the 
improvements of actual standards. 

Implementation  
Following a market needs' investigation mandated by the European Commission in May 2011 
the European Standardisation Committee (CEN) initiated Technical Committee CEN/TC 411 
on bio-based products  whose main objective is  to develop  standards for  bio-based products 
covering horizontal aspects. 
This includes a consistent terminology for bio-based products, sampling, bio-based content, 
application  of  and  correlation  towards  life  cycle  assessment  (LCA)  and  sustainability  of 
biomass used, and guidance on the use of existing standards for the end-of-life options. 

35 

 
 
 
CEN/TC  411  has  completed  the  development  of  standards  mandated  by  the  European 
Commission. 
In  order  to  identify  standardisation  needs,  the  Commission  has  requested  the  European 
Committee  for  Standardisation  (CEN)  to  perform  a  comprehensive  mapping  exercise  of 
existing or ongoing standardisation work related to sustainable chemicals. This includes work 
by industry and other organisations in this area at national, European and international level. 
The report of the European Committee for Standardisation (CEN) was delivered in January 
2019. 
Webinar on available bio-based standards from CEN was conducted in 2021. 

Impact  
Standards  are  documented  agreements  containing  technical  speciﬁcations  or  other  precise 
criteria  to  be  used  consistently  as  rules,  guidelines  or  deﬁnitions,  to  ensure  that  materials, 
products, processes and services are ﬁt for their purpose. 
Standards  provide  a  basis  for  mutual  understanding  among  individuals,  businesses,  public 
authorities  and  other  kind  of  organisations.  They  facilitate  communication,  commerce, 
measurement/testing  and  manufacturing.  Most  of  the  standards  are  voluntary  market 
agreements. 

Outlook 
This  action  has  been  completed.  CEN/TC  411  is  continuing  its  work  in  further  developing 
standards for bio-based products. 

Action 1.5 - Facilitate the development of new sustainable biorefineries and confirm the 
type and estimated potential 

Activity 1.5.1 - Outlook/roadmap for biorefinery deployment in the EU 

Objective  

  Gather evidence and engage with stakeholders and specialists in the development of an 
outlook  for  the  deployment  of  integrated  chemical/material  driven  biorefineries  in 
Europe for 2030  

  Development  of  databases  and  online  dashboards  of  chemical  and  material  driven 
biorefineries in the EU (as well as outside the EU) to describe and understand the current 
landscape. The biofuel/bioenergy oriented biorefineries were not in scope. 

Implementation  

  Action closed. Implementation through a publicly procured service contract. The tender 
supported via H2020 WP2018 budget, N° 2018/RTD/F2/OP/PP-07281/2018/ “Support 
to R&I policy on biobased products and services”41 with one lot (no. 3) dedicated to this 
action – study BIOREFINERY PATHWAYS AND OUTLOOK FOR DEPLOYMENT 
(coordinated by E4Tech). Funding ca. 0,5 million EUR. 

Impact  

41 https://etendering.ted.europa.eu/cft/cft-display.html?cftId=4574  

36 

 
 
 
                                                 
  Final report delivered42 on 2 June 2021. 

Outlook 
 

It remains crucial to stay abreast opportunities offered by bio-based innovation, but also 
the bottlenecks and enablers. For any future mapping or foresight close cooperation with 
JRC can be recommended.  

  There are already a considerable number of chemical and material biorefineries in the 
EU. Their geographical distribution is uneven and, to support their development, further 
investigation  is  needed  to  understand  the  causes  of  the  differentials.  Some  of  these 
factors can be directly influenced in the medium term by policy-making.  

  However, informed policy-making will require continuously updating the database and 
dashboards and carrying out quantitative analyses to shed lights on the major drivers of 
the growth of this sector.   

  At  this  moment,  such  an  activity  is  not  foreseen.  Small  updates  to  the  database  and 

dashboards will be carried out when possible. 

42 http://ec.europa.eu/info/news/eu-biorefinery-outlook-2030-2021-jun-02_en  

37 

 
 
 
                                                 
Infographic 1. Biorefineries 

38 

 
 
 
Activity 1.5.2 - Policies and regulations to develop new sustainable biorefineries in the EU 

Objective  
This  action  will  consider  policies  and  regulations  boosting  up  private  investments  in  the 
deployment of biorefineries and the market expansion of bio-based products while ensuring 
the sustainability of biomass supply and public acceptance.  

Implementation  
The  policies  and  regulations,  especially  those  taken  since  2018,  have  been  pivotal  for 
investment  decisions  of  private  companies  on  biorefineries,  but  is  also  challenging  for  bio-
based industries while offers market opportunities.  
Although the number of biorefineries (today close to 350) and their production have increased 
in most Member States, this has been most often related to biofuels’ (e.g. biodiesel, bioethanol, 
biomethanol, sustainable aviation fuels) production thanks to the Renewable Energy Directive 
(RED II). The regulation on land use, land use change and forestry (LULUCF) mentions the 
carbon  storage  of  Harvested  Wood  Products,  but  has  not  boosted  investments  in  woody 
biomass-based  biorefineries.  This  is  due  to  the  absence  of  climate  mitigation  credits  for 
producers. The proposed amendment of LULUCF will not change the situation.  
The  demand  from  the  Single  Use  Plastics  Directive  for  reduction  of  microplastic  pollution 
boosted  the  uptake  of  nanocellulose-aided  biodegradable  fibre-based  packaging.  Yet  the 
absence  of  similar  demand  for  synthetic  textiles has  stalled  investments  in  biorefineries  for 
environmentally friendlier bio-based textiles.    

Impact  
The policy framework and legislative developments  have supported leveraging synergies in 
biorefinery production of biofuels, but not bio-based materials and products. This is in spite of 
BBI-JU and other R&I breakthrough innovations especially in upcycling of residues for new 
materials and products replacing fossil-based ones. A CEPI (Confederation of European Paper 
Industries) study on Pulp and Paper Industry biorefineries  in Europe lists 139 woody biomass-
based biorefineries and 28 planned ones doubling their turnover by 2030.   

Outlook 
The Green Deal actions strengthen requirements for operating within the planetary boundaries. 
The  political  and  legislative  developments  may  boost  biorefineries  for  upcycling  of  woody 
biomass residues and for the creation of vibrant regional bioeconomy hubs.  
The CEPI Vision 2030 foresees new industrial ecosystems to emerge around large woody and 
other  biomass  processing  plants  in  full  industrial  symbiosis  with  associated  or  built-in 
biorefineries. This will increase efficient use of local resources, reduce transport and offer new 
options for regional specialisation and attractive opportunities for skilled people. Their further 
replication with diverse breakthrough biorefinery products will provide 50% of the revenues 
of  the  pulp  paper  and  recycling  mills  in  2050  –  fully  in  line  with  the  Green  Deal  goal  for 
climate-neutral circular products as a norm by then. 

39 

 
 
 
 
Action 1.6 - Research and innovation investments for the development of substitutes to 
fossil based materials that are bio-based, recyclable and marine biodegradable, and of 
bio-remediation  methods  by  mobilising  the  key  actors  in  the  relevant  value  chains 
including the plastics value chain and to contribute to plastic-free, healthy and productive 
European seas and oceans 

Activity 1.6.1 - Support further research and innovation activities on pre- and co-normative 
research on plastics biodegradability, including in soil and marine environment. Development 
of recyclable and biodegradable bio-based substitutes to fossil-based plastics 

Objective  
Develop bio-based plastics, including recyclable plastics, which is biodegradable in soil and in 
marine  open  environments  for  specific  applications.  Deliver  on  the  development  of  testing 
procedures of biodegradability in (soil and marine) open environments. 
Objectives: 
  Contribute  to  defining  the  EU  policy  framework  for  bio-based,  biodegradable  and 

compostable plastics. 

  Contribute  to  the  circularity  of  climate-neutral  bio-based  solutions  replacing  low 

environmental performing fossil-based plastics. 

Implementation  
  H2020 CE-BG-06-2019 - Sustainable solutions for bio-based plastics on land and sea: BIO-
PLASTICS  EUROPE  Developing  and  Implementing  Sustainability-Based  Solutions  for 
Bio-Based Plastic Production and Use to Preserve Land and Sea Environmental Quality in 
Europe;  SEALIVE Strategies of circular  Economy and  Advanced bio-based solutions  to 
keep our Lands and seas alIVE from plastics contamination  

  Recent R&I activities on bio-based plastics which is either compostable and/or recyclable 
provide inputs to the EC initiatives that are preparatory for the planned EC Communication 
on the policy framework for bio-based, biodegradable and compostable plastics.  

  R&I gaps framing the future work programme of Horizon Europe (and CBE)   

Impact  
  Better deployment of bio-based plastics in  the European  Green Deal,  Circular Economy 

Action Plan and Taxonomy Regulation delegated acts.    

  EUR 16,6 million invested in the two projects from the last Horizon 2020 call, however the 

total investment of relevant research and innovation projects exceeds this  amount. 

  Europe has a market share of 35% of bio-based plastics. R&I in the bio-based plastics sector 

can support climate neutrality while supporting EU industrial leadership. 

Outlook 

  More R&I and more targeted approaches are needed to develop bio-based value chains in 
the  plastic  sector  to  meet  all  the  challenges  of  environmental  sustainability,  including 
circularity, and high technical performances 

  R&I actions to address the ‘programmed’ biodegradability, both in controlled and in open 

environments, coupled with recyclability.  

40 

 
 
  Information of customers and consumers on bio-based plastics performances and end-of-
life options should be developed in a more targeted way. Developing standards, certification 
schemes and labelling, b2b and b2c. Improve consumers’ education. 

  R&I actions to upgrade sorting techniques and recycling technologies to allow for recycling 

a broader range of plastics (both bio-based and fossil-based) 

  EU  investments  in  relevant  research  and  innovation  projects  to  leverage  more  MSs  and 

private investments 

  The  sector  of  bio-based  plastics  is  expanding  in  EU  and  a  policy  support  of  the  best 

performing value chains can boost their climate mitigation potential  

Activity 1.6.2 - Reports from the Blue Bioeconomy Forum 

Objective  
The aim of the Blue Bioeconomy Forum (BBF) was to develop a common understanding of the 
current status of blue bioeconomy in Europe and to collectively identify strategic developments, 
market opportunities, appropriate financial assistance, regulatory actions and research priorities.  

Implementation 
The  BBF  brought  together  stakeholders  from  the  European  Blue  Bioeconomy,  in  order  to 
produce  a  roadmap  for  the  further  development  of  the  sector.  The  stakeholder  forum  was 
concluded in December 2019 with the formal handover of its deliverables to the Commission – 
a  roadmap  and  a  brochure43  presenting  successful  projects.  The  roadmap  also  identified  the 
sector’s future needs along four topics: (1) Science, technology and innovation; (2) Consumers 
and  supply  chains;  (3)  Policy,  environment  and  regulation;  (4)  Finance  and  business 
development.  The  roadmap  recommendations  are  addressed  to  the  European  Commission, 
national and regional authorities, industry associations and other relevant players. 

 Impact  
The Blue Bioeconomy Forum has identified 14 challenges that fall within four main themes. 
With  the  help  of  the  BBF  community,  solutions  were  formulated  to  tackle  the  identified 
challenges. This allows a better targeting and planning of future actions. A number of solutions 
have already been implemented, e.g. the recommended BlueInvest platform has been established 
and  is  up  and  running,  algae  has  been  introduced  into  the  terms  of  reference  of  European 
Maritime and Fisheries Fund and Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe with an increasing number 
of  launched  projects.  BBF  recommendations  have  been  one  of  the  starting  points  for  the 
forthcoming EU Algae Initiative and its impact assessment study. Two events were organised 
to develop the BBF roadmap in 2018 and 2019 each with around 100 stakeholders. 

Outlook 
The BBF Roadmap contributes to the industry’s future competitiveness, by supporting the main 
stakeholders to: ~ Better understand the market’s future regulatory, research, financial assistance 

43 https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/maritimeforum/en/node/4448  

41 

 
 
 
 
                                                 
 
 
and product needs; ~ Identify critical gaps between what exists and what is needed; ~ Define the 
short, medium and long-term actions that are required to unlock the potential of the sector. 

Implementation of the identified solutions helped to close the market, funding, research etc gaps 
and better target and plan future actions e.g. to develop an EU Algae Initiative due for adoption 
by the Commission by mid-2022. 

Activity 1.6.3 - This action will mobilise the key actors in the plastics value chain to support 
the development of alternatives to fossil-based plastics and new solutions to plastic waste and 
littering. This will support the implementation of the EU Plastic Strategy by industry including 
the Directive on Single Use Plastics. 

Implementation  
  BlueMed  Hackathon44(01/07/2021):  The  3  winning  teams  of  young  professionals, 
developed ideas and solutions to promote sustainable blue growth and circular bioeconomy 
in the Mediterranean. 

  Unlocking the potential  of Ports and Harbours in preventing and  reducing the  effects  of 
Marine Litter45 (14/09/2021). This workshop looked at the most promising R&I solutions 
undertaken  and  policy  instruments  implemented,  in  the  management  and  valorization  of 
plastic litter in Ports/Harbours and their hinterland at Mediterranean level. 

  The BlueMed Pilot healthy plastics-free Mediterranean Sea towards the 2030 targets: the 
strategy  developed  by  the  plastic  producing  and  transforming  operators  of  the  area46 
(26/10/2021),  looks  at  the  solutions  adopted  for  a  smarter  local  use,  management  and 
recycling of plastics with a high impact in terms of replication trough the basin and among 
international governance structures. 

The BlueMed Group of Senior Officials (GSO WG), the National hubs and the stakeholders 
participating in the BlueMed Pilot Action on a Healthy Plastic-free Mediterranean Sea, will 
contribute  to  the  EU  Mission  “Restore  our  Ocean  and  waters  by  2030”  and  its 
“Lighthouses”.  EU  Missions  are  undertaking  actions  to  face  some  of  the  greatest  global 
challenges by setting 2030 targets. “Restore our Ocean and Waters” Mission includes actions 
to cleaning marine waters, restoring degraded ecosystems and habitats, decarbonising the blue 
economy.  

Impact  
Developing and implementing a shared vision for plastic in the circular economy in regards of 
the Mediterranean Sea. Identification of the key challenges ensuring a healthy and productive 
Sea together with the wide community of the Mediterranean. Identification of pathways that 
need to be implemented to obtain measurable results and meet the 2030 targets of the future 
Mission. 

Outlook 
Future impact will be linked to the Mission “Restore our Ocean and Waters by 2030”: 

44 http://www.bluemed-initiative.eu/the-bluemed-hackathon-winner-teams-announced/   
45 http://www.bluemed-initiative.eu/ports-harbours-venice-september-14-2021/   
46 http://www.bluemed-initiative.eu/pilot-ecomondo-2021-rimini/  

42 

 
 
 
                                                 
  Create a network of lighthouses at sea and river basin scale to implement the mission and 

expand the networks of marine protected areas 

  Establish an EU-wide ‘Blue Parks’ initiative to provide new restoration and conservation 

opportunities 

  Support effective water management through a digital knowledge system with a European 

Twin Ocean and improved environmental monitoring of ocean health 

Action 2.1 - A Strategic Deployment Agenda for sustainable food and farming systems, 
forestry and bio-based production in a circular bioeconomy 

Activity 2.1.1 - Strategic Deployment Agenda 

Objective  
The strategic deployment agenda will set-up a long-term vision to deploy and scale up the 
bioeconomy in a sustainable and circular manner, within the Green Deal framework.  
Objectives: 
  To  provide  a  coherent  framework  for  the  development  and  deployment  of  knowledge, 
technologies  and  practices  related  to  bioeconomy,  in  a  systemic  and  interconnected 
approach;  

  To set up key deployment pathways; 
  To  overcome  fragmentation  in  the  research  and  innovation  landscapes  to  enable  the 

deployment of bioeconomy across sectors, policies and territories.  

Implementation  
A topic on the strategic deployment agenda has been included in the Horizon Europe Work 
Programme  2021-2022:  HORIZON-CL6-2021-GOVERNANCE-01-04:  Strengthening 
bioeconomy innovation and deployment across sectors and all governance levels – CSA – 4 
million EUR. The successful Horizon Europe project was launched early 2022. 

Impact  
The  indicators  given  in  the  2018  Bioeconomy  Strategy  Action  Plan  will  be  used  to  assess 
progress/achievement of this action once the successful project is known and launched. 

Outlook 
The  implementation  of  the  successful  proposal  will  be  closely  followed  up  to  ensure  its 
continuous efficiency and policy relevance. 

Action 2.2 - Pilot actions to support local bioeconomy development (rural, coastal, urban) 
via Commission instruments and programmes 

Activity  2.2.1  -  Unlock  the  high  potential  of  the  “Blue  Bioeconomy”  in  coastal  areas  and 
islands through the Sea Basin Strategies, the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund and the 
Blue Bioeconomy Forum 

Activity 2.2.1.1 - New and updated sea basin strategies 

43 

 
 
 
 
 
Objective  
This activity is seeking to mainstream the blue bioeconomy within a regional dimension, in the 
concept of sea-basin and macro-regional strategies. 
The objective is to improve the understanding of the blue bioeconomy on behalf of national 
and regional authorities, for increasing their capacity to get involved in relevant projects. 

Implementation  
Key initiatives after 2018 that have been undertaken to meet the objective: 
  CMA includes actions on innovation in blue biotechnologies under Goal II. 
  EUSAIR adopted a flagships tackling also blue bio-technologies for bio-economy.   
  The 2021 UfM Ministerial Declaration on the Sustainable Blue Economy has highlighted 

the potential for development of aquaculture and blue bio-economy. 

  BLUEMED identified blue growth trajectories, including biotechnologies, food.  
  The revised Action plan of EUSBSR includes a priority action on Bioeconomy. 
  WestMed Initiative has set up a technical group to promote sustainable aquaculture through 

innovation, including bioeconomy as one of the potential sectors. 

  Outermost  Regions  are  elaborating  Blue  Economy  Strategies,  according 

to  a 

methodological guidance provided by MARE that includes Bioeconomy.  

Impact  
Boosting  regional  cooperation,  helping  countries  to  identify  those  elements  that  favour  the 
growth of the sector. Contribution to the development of bioeconomy as an integral element 
for the new Approach on the Sustainable Blue Economy. 
Indicators:  
  EUSAIR: 1 flagship project  
  EUSBSR: 1 revised Action plan with a priority action on Bioeconomy 
  UfM: 1 Ministerial Declaration on the Sustainable Blue Economy, highlighting the potential 

for development of aquaculture and blue bio-economy 

  WestMed Initiative: 1 technical group on sustainable aquaculture, including bioeconomy. 

Outlook 
The  European  Commission  is  focusing  on  boosting  sustainable  blue  economy  through  the 
programming exercise for the new period 2021-2027. That will provide the opportunities for 
the countries to prioritise among others, interventions for the bioeconomy sector.  
We are stressing our efforts to enhance this dimension in the Smart Specialisation Strategies 
as well, for new projects through transnational and interregional cooperation and via the setup 
of a dedicated smart specialisation platform for Blue Economy 

44 

 
 
  
 
Activity 2.2.1.2 - Projects funded through the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund 

Objective  
This  action  covers  all  funding  to  blue  bioeconomy  projects  granted  through  the  European 
Maritime  and  Fisheries  Fund  (EMFF).  These  could  be  grants  under  the  direct  management 
strand of the EMFF, such as the “blue calls”, or projects funded through shared management 

Implementation  
Fisheries and aquaculture businesses are supported to diversify from their traditional business 
models,  develop  new  products,  find  new  markets,  and  become  more  efficient,  often  by 
valorising previously unused by-products.  

Impact  
By the end of 2020, €23.9 million of EMFF support was committed to 114 operations related 
to the blue bioeconomy which were financed under shared management. 
Some examples include: 
  Turning shellfish by-products into energy (France) 
  Producing essential oils from marine plants (Portugal) 
  Minced fish from unwanted by-catch (Finland) 
By September 2021, nearly €12 million (11.832.623,47) of EMFF support was committed to 
12 projects under the EMFF direct management. Some examples include: 
  BIOGEARS is developing biobased gears as solutions for the creation of an eco-friendly 
offshore aquaculture sector, in a multitrophic approach, and new biobased value chains 

  FISH4FISH produces film and trays prototypes for the fish packaging sector 
  MERCLUB  unreveil  and  exploit  marine  microorganisms  for  the  bioremediation  of  Hg-

contaminated marine sediments. 

  ALGAENAUTS is developing a new line of sustainable and eco-friendly biopesticides line 
of products for agriculture from microalgae biomass cultivated recovering nutrients from 
wastewater and pig manure and also with seawater 

Outlook 
EMFF  support  is  available  to  help  transition  and  develop  businesses  in  the  field  of  the 
bioeconomy.  Societal  change  and  economic  factors  have  also  made  this  sector  become 
increasingly viable. The outlook for further development is positive. Funding under the new 
European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund is available during the period 2021-2027 
to finance similar initiatives.   

Activity 2.2.2 - Support the deployment of inclusive Bioeconomies in rural areas through the 
Common  Agricultural  Policy:  Initiatives  to  encourage  Member  States  to  invest  Common 
Agricultural Policy funds into the Bioeconomy. 

Objective  
In  the  context  of  the  new  Common  Agricultural  Policy  (CAP),  this  action  focusses  on 
disseminating good practices to National administrations and policy makers responsible for the 

45 

 
 
  
 
implementation of the CAP. It aims at fostering the deployment of the Bioeconomy in rural 
areas  by  incorporating  the  Bioeconomy  in  the  CAP  National  Strategic  Plans  in  a  way  that 
adequately integrates primary producers. The Commission also supports the dissemination to 
all relevant stakeholders of good practices about governance and business models, as well as 
technological solutions in the area of the Bioeconomy at small, medium and large scale.   

Implementation  
To foster the deployment of the Bioeconomy in the new CAP, the Commission held a number 
of events with MS representatives but also with other public and private stakeholders as well 
as developed and disseminated materials. These include: 
  High- and technical-level meetings to raise awareness about the Bioeconomy; 
  Workshops and other capacity building events on how to foster the Bioeconomy through 

the new CAP addressed to National authorities and other stakeholders; 

  Materials  provided  to  Member  States  and  stakeholders  about  existing  good  practices  in 

supporting the deployment of the Bioeconomy in particular in rural areas; 

  Recommendations to Member States to reiterate the important role the Bioeconomy have 

in revitalising rural areas. 

Impact  
  Number of events on the Bioeconomy for national authorities, and other stakeholders; 
  Number of participants in the events or reached by the events;  
  Number of materials provided to Member States about existing good practices in supporting 

the deployment of the Bioeconomy; 

  Number of CAP National Strategic Plans proposed by Member States and their including 

interventions supporting the Bioeconomy. 

Outlook 
The new Common Agricultural Policy allows Member States to set out interventions adapted 
to their local realities to promote the development of the Bioeconomy in our rural areas. It is 
therefore of utmost importance that Member States take the designing of their CAP National 
Strategic  Plans  as  an  opportunity  to  further  support  and  deploy  the  Bioeconomy  in  their 
territories. 
Special attention would also need to be paid to the involvement of farmers and foresters in the 
future deployment of the Bioeconomy. 

Activity  2.2.3  -  Develop  urban  bioeconomies  through  piloting  circular  bioeconomy  cities 
through Horizon Europe 

Activity 2.2.3.1 - Support a pilot group of European cities to launch, finance, implement and 
assess their urban circular bio-based economy strategies and projects for the production of safe, 
sustainable and valuable bio-based products from urban biowaste and wastewater. 

46 

 
 
 
 
Objective  
According  to  the  2018  EU  Bioeconomy  Strategy,  cities  should  become  major  circular 
bioeconomy hubs, mainly by valorising their urban bio-waste and wastewater resources into 
bio-based  products.  This  action  aims  to  support  a  pilot  group  of  European  cities  to  launch, 
finance, implement and assess their urban circular bio-based economy strategies and projects.  

Implementation  
The  project  HOOP  -  Hub  of  circular  cities  boosting  platform  to  foster  investments  for  the 
valorisation of urban bio-waste and wastewater - was selected in the Horizon 2020 WP 2018-
2020  CE-FNR-17-2020  call  for  proposals.  The  project  lasting  from  October  2020  until  31 
September 2024 provides a pilot group of cities with Project Development Assistance (PDA) 
to build their technical, economic and legal expertise for concrete investments to valorise their 
urban bio-waste and wastewater resources.  
During this first period the main milestones achieved are: creation of local HOOP Committees 
to coordinate the PDA in the cities and regions, creation of the Circular Investors Board, and 
the set-up of the Bio-waste Clubs in 5 lighthouse cities and regions. 

Impact  
Expected impacts/outcomes of the activity: 
  Delivery of sustainable circular bio-based economy concepts and 51 M € of investments, 

with the leverage factor 6 € investment/ 1 € PDA,  

  Contribute to increased recycling of urban bio-waste and wastewater, reduce municipal bio-
waste landfill to a maximum of 10% by 2035 and reduce GHG emissions by 1 M kg CO2 
eq (bio-waste) and 9 M kg CO2 eq (water). 

Measurable indicators to monitor the progress and impact of the activity: 
  8  cities/regions  launch  and  implement  urban  circular  bio-based  economy  strategies: 
Western Macedonia, Münster, Almere, Murcia, Porto, Bergen, Kuopio, Albano Laziale. 

  51 M € of financial investments for the implementation of these strategies. 

Outlook 
The key messages that have come out of the activity so far include: 
  The main issue in urban bioeconomy initiatives is ensuring the quality of urban biowaste. 
  There is a need of an adequate legislative framework that allows/boost the marketability of 

new bio-based products. 

As  a  follow-up  action,  RTD.B1  established  the  Circular  Cities  and  Regions  Initiative’s 
Coordination and Support Office (CCRI-CSO) in Q4/2021. The aim of the CCRI-CSO is to 
ensure the cooperation among the CCRI’s projects (Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe), and 
relevant initiatives. HOOP project consortium will participate in CCRI activities. 

Activity 2.2.4 - Support pilot carbon farming initiatives through LIFE 

Objective  
Carbon farming can be defined as a green business model that rewards land managers for taking 
up improved land management practices, resulting in the increase of carbon sequestration by 

47 

 
 
 
 
enhancing  carbon  capture  and/or  reducing  the  release  of  carbon  to  the  atmosphere.  The 
financial incentives can  come from  public or private sources and reward land managers for 
their management practice or the actual amount of carbon sequestered.  

Implementation  
The  Commission  intends  to  promote  carbon  farming  approaches  in  order  to  support  the 
contribution  of  the  land  sector  to  the  EU’s  ambitious  climate  objectives.  To  this  end,  the 
Commission has: 
  Published the study “Technical Guidance Handbook – setting up and implementing result-
based carbon farming mechanisms in the EU”, which explored key issues, challenges, trade-
offs and design options to develop carbon farming. 

  Promoted carbon farming in  its  recommendations on the Member States’ CAP  Strategic 

Plans. 

  Organised several workshops to gather experience from stakeholders 
  Supported several LIFE and Interreg projects 
  Launched relevant HE calls under the 2021-2022 work programme 
  Supported several relevant EIP-AGRI Operational Groups 

Impact  

  6 conferences / workshops organised 
  1 study published (Technical Guidance Handbook – setting up and implementing result-

based carbon farming mechanisms in the EU) 

  at least 8 relevant LIFE projects and 3 relevant Interreg projects 
  9 relevant HE calls in 2021-2022 work programme 

Outlook 
The study concluded that pilot initiatives should be developed at local or regional level in order 
to gather experience to upscale carbon farming. This will enable improving design aspects, in 
particular  the  certification  of  carbon  removals.  The  discussion  with  stakeholders  during  the 
workshops  highlighted  several  barriers  to  carbon  farming.  To  address  these  barriers,  the 
Commission  announced  in  the Farm  to  Fork  Strategy  that  in  2021  it  will  launch  a  Carbon 
Farming  initiative.  In  addition,  as  announced  in  the Circular  Economy  Action  Plan,  the 
Commission  will  develop  a  regulatory  framework  for  certifying  carbon  removals  based  on 
robust  and  transparent  carbon  accounting  to  monitor  and  verify  the  authenticity  of  carbon 
removals. On 14 December 2021, the Commission published the Communication “Restoring 
Sustainable Carbon Cycles” on the certification of carbon removals and carbon farming. The 
publication was followed by a high-level launch event. 

48 

 
 
 
Activity 2.2.5  

Activity 2.2.5.1 - Setting up "living labs" to develop and test place-based innovations based on 
ecological approaches and circularity in agriculture 

Objective  
The action aims to set up living labs across Europe to develop place-based solutions based on 
ecological and circular approaches and foster the shift to more sustainable and resilient farming 
and  food  systems  with  the  overall  objective  to  strengthen  the  research  and  innovation 
ecosystem around agroecology in Europe. 

Implementation 
  Step 1- Two ongoing CSAs, funded under Horizon 2020: ALL-READY and AE4EU. They 
aim at creating a framework and prepare the community for the partnership (see step 2). 
  Step 2- A co-funded Horizon Europe partnership “Accelerating farming systems transition: 
agroecology living labs and research infrastructures” is being co-created by the Commission 
and  the  SCAR  “strategic  working  group  on  agroecology”  (SCAR-AE),  created  on 
01/01/2021.  

Main next steps towards the start of the partnership are: 
  Preparing the partnership topic text under Horizon EU WP 2023-2024 (during 2022) 
  Developing the Strategic research and Innovation Agenda (by end 2022) 
  Application, evaluation and grant agreement preparation (2023-2024) 

Impact 
  Official reports from the SCAR-AE and deliverables from the two CSAs are expected from 

2022 onwards. 

  The creation of the SCAR-AE has attracted a wide interest of 26 countries and, together 
with ALL-READY and AE4EU, has already succeeded in developing connections in the 
agroecological scientific and stakeholder community. 

  This dialogue contributes to improving knowledge on the living lab approach applied to 
farming, likely to accelerate innovation. Member States are discussing how to lift barriers 
to funding agroecology living labs under their R&I funding schemes.  

Outlook 
Main messages so far include: 
  The need to build capacities on approaches such as living labs and to remove lock-ins in 

R&I that prevent the funding of multi-stakeholder approaches. 

  The concern that living labs take time to establish, their impact may be difficult to measure 

and take time to materialise. 

  Time-bound  R&I  projects  are  not  well  suited  to  support  engagement  of  actors  in  place-
based innovation processes. The EU and the MS/AC need to think of new ways to sustain 
longer-term innovation processes to deliver greater impact. 

49 

 
 
 
 
Activity  2.2.5.2  -  H2020  funds  supporting  projects  developing  urban  Living  Labs  -  Living 
Labs for urban food systems transformation 

Objective  
Implementing the FOOD2030 policy framework in City Region Food systems. 
  SFS-18-2017  “FIT4FOOD2030”-  To  build  a  sustainable,  multi-stakeholder  FOOD2030 

platform, mobilizing a wide variety of stakeholders from different sectors  

  SFS-24-2019 “FOODSHIFT20303”- To create a citizen-driven transition of the European 
food system towards a low carbon circular future, including a shift to more plant based diets 
  CE-FNR-07-2020  “FOODTRAILS”-  To  empower  cities  as  agents  of  food  system 
transformation, to translate the worldwide Milan Urban Food Policy Pact’s shared vision  

Implementation  
  “FIT4FOOD2030”-  Establishment  of  city  labs,  maps  on  vision,  drivers,  barriers,  food 

policies and governance of EU food systems and related R&I  

  “FOODSHIFT2030”- Establishment of 9 Accelerator Labs, recruiting and engaging Food 
System Innovators (FSIs), catalogued existing food system innovation, ready to go policy 
advisor plans for enabler labs 

Upcoming activities 
  “FOODSHIFT2030”- Plans for scaling up innovations co-create business plans; co-develop 

advisory plans for food system governance in follower city-regions 

  “FOODTRAILS”- First report to be published, planned mapping of existing good practices, 

establishment of living labs and pilots for the development of urban food policies  

Impact  
  “FIT4FOOD2030”-  The  established  FOOD  2030  Platform  comprises  three  interlinked 
structures: EU Think Tank, Policy Labs and City and Food Labs, which interact regularly 
to exchange information, learn from one another, and plan actions 

  7  city  and  7  food  labs  have  been  created  to  bring  together  policy  makers,  researchers, 

educators and citizens to work on their visions of  FOOD 2030 

  4 public webinars “Towards sustainable food systems through Research and Innovation” 
  “FOODSHIFT2030”- A core set of FoodSHIFT Indicators in development, 1114 indicators 
recorded and organized in  the indicator inventory, first  draft of  food system  governance 
framework, 90 innovators mapped, 9 Fast Accelerator Labs, 5 public webinars  

  “FOODTRAILS”- no impact assessment yet 

Outlook 
  “FIT4FOOD2030”- Essential outcome of project is inclusion of new stakeholders who have 

not traditionally been engaged or who lack a voice in decision-making 

  In order to produce lasting and high-quality results, change needs to be driven by the energy 
derived from the well-informed engagement of a multitude of different actors joining forces  

  “FOODSHIFT2030”- Contingency plan created and activated as necessary 
  Challenges to access funding beyond life cycle of project due to financing infrastructure 

50 

 
 
 
Action 2.3 - Set up an EU Bioeconomy policy support facility and a European Bioeconomy 
Forum for Members States Forum for Members States 

Activity  2.3.1  -  Set  up  an  EU  policy  support  facility  for  Member  States  to  develop  and 
implement national/regional bioeconomy strategies across Europe 

Objective 
To  support  Member  States  in  developing  and  implementing  their  dedicated  national 
bioeconomy  strategies  and  action  plans,  with  a  focus  on  Central  and  Eastern  European 
countries.  The  aim  was  to  base  this  activity  on  the  sharing  of  good  practice  and  high-level 
expertise by national bioeconomy experts with the ultimate goal of increasing the total number 
of EU Member States with a national bioeconomy strategy.  

Implementation  
  The action was implemented as a Horizon 2020-funded Expert Group with 19 MS as its 
members.  The  work  was  steered  by  five  independent  experts  in  the  form  of  a  Mutual 
Learning Exercise.  

  Four  online  workshops  were  organised  in  collaboration  with  hosting  Member  States  to 

address the main objectives laid out in the Terms of Reference.  

  The main output of the Expert Group – a final report containing 10 key policy messages 

and recommendations – was presented at the final dissemination in July 2021.  

Impact  
  The formulated key messages were well received by the participating Member States and 
confirmed as being policy-relevant in a dedicated meeting. The outcomes and main policy 
recommendations  were  further  distributed  at  different  fora  such  as  the  European 
Bioeconomy Policy Forum and a BIOEAST Conference.  

  Several Member States reported revived activity on their national bioeconomy policy as a 

result of their participation in the workshops. 

  Given the recent conclusion of the activity, it is not possible at this early point to establish 

a causal link to the adoption of national bioeconomy strategies by Member States.   

  Until 15 October 2021, there have been 139 and 142 downloads of the final report and the 
accompanying policy brief, respectively. This indicator shows the success of the outreach 
activities of the Policy Support Facility.  

Outlook 
  The  expected  outcomes  of 

topic  HORIZON-CL6-2021-
the  Horizon  Europe 
GOVERNANCE-01-10 link loosely with the work under the Bioeconomy Policy Support 
Facility. The project under this topic will contribute to the increased awareness, interaction 
and engagement of decision makers and public administration in Member States without a 
bioeconomy strategy.  

  The final report, among other recommendations, calls for Member States to continuously 
update  their  national  bioeconomy  policies  in  light  of  new  objectives  and  policy 
developments. A need might therefore arise for a more permanent type of support facility 
accessible by all Member States, e.g. in the form of a helpdesk which could provide more 
tailor-made advise or assistance with specific policy questions or problems. 

51 

 
 
 
Activity  2.3.2  -  Support  a  European  Bioeconomy  Forum  of  Members  States  implementing 
bioeconomy strategies 

Activity 2.3.2.1 - Support a European Bioeconomy Forum of Members States implementing 
bioeconomy  strategies  and  Activity  2.3.2.2  -  List  of  Communication  actions  to  support  a 
European Bioeconomy Forum of Members States implementing bioeconomy strategies 

Objective  
This action aimed to set up a policy platform for Member States with a view to facilitating 
knowledge exchange on bioeconomy related issues and mutual learning on best practices in 
developing and implementing national and regional bioeconomy policies.  
  Support cooperation and dialogue among Member States on bioeconomy policy issues and 

increase the visibility of different areas of the bioeconomy 

  Encourage Member States towards joint actions to support bioeconomy development on 

the national and EU level and provide input for future EU bioeconomy actions  

Implementation  
  The European Bioeconomy Policy Forum was launched in November 2020 with an opening 

event with high-level participation.  

  The Forum is governed according to the Terms of Reference agreed to by all participating 

Member States.  

  The Forum operates on two levels – a high level and an expert level. The former addresses 
strategic/political topics while the latter focuses on the operational aspects of bioeconomy 
policy development and implementation.  

Impact  

  By the end of 2021, three expert-level and two high-level meetings of the EBPF took place. 
Moreover,  there  have  been  several  meetings  under  the  Working  Group  ‘Knowledge  for 
Bioeconomy’, which operated under the EBPF and is led by the Joint Research Centre as 
contribution to the Commission’s Knowledge Centre for Bioeconomy.  

  Three tasks have been launched under the Working Group ‘Knowledge for Bioeconomy’, 
outlined in  the Work Plan of the EBPF:  1.  Improving the estimation  of socio-economic 
indicators for the EU bioeconomy; 2. Monitoring the bioeconomy through a holistic lens; 
and  3.  Mapping  of  policy-enabling  measures.  42  experts  (representatives  of  national 
authorities with political responsibility for bioeconomy strategy development and experts 
from research and academia) from 14 Member States are participating in these tasks.  

Outlook 

  The Forum aims to establish a regular meeting schedule with a minimum of two expert 

 

level meetings and two high-level meetings annually. 
It is envisioned that the strategic focus of the high-level meetings will be set in collaboration 
with the representatives of the Member State holding the presidency of the Council of the 
EU.   

52 

 
 
 
  The  Forum  aims  to  further  promote  its  co-creation  aspect,  whereby  the  activities 
undertaken, outputs developed and the topics discussed in its meetings will be largely set 
by the Member States in a bottom-up manner.  

Action 2.4 - Promote education, training and skills across the bioeconomy 

Activity 2.4.1 - Contribute to the development of bioeconomy educational pathways for higher 
education, vocational training and entrepreneurship. 

Objective  
This action will support networking of education and training providers in the bioeconomy, for 
the  development  of  education  and  training  content  that  responds  to  the  diverse  needs  of 
stakeholders. 
  Support the relevant upgrade, adaptation and development of bioeconomy-related training 
and  education  to  meet  future  workforce  needs  for  the  deployment  of  a  sustainable  and 
circular bioeconomy. 
Increase the research, technology and innovation capacity for the bioeconomy. 

 
  Deliver  up-to-date  skills  intelligence  on  the  occupations  in  bioeconomy  and  specific 

occupational core profiles 

Implementation  
  On the 15th of October 2019, the European Commission organised a workshop in Brussels 

entitled “Promoting education, training and skills across the bioeconomy”. 

  A  public  procurement  for  a  study  to  contribute  to  the  development  of  educational  and 

training content for the bioeconomy was launched in June 2021.  

Future activities and deliverables:  
  Study report and policy brief delivered by consultant experts (Q3/2022) 
  Conference (Q3/2022)  

Impact  
Due to the early stage of the project, no measurable impact is  yet  available. Impact will be 
evaluated  on  the  basis  of  number  of:  number  of  education  and  training  providers  offering 
updated/new  bioeconomy  relevant  curricula,  number  of  bioeconomy-relevant  curricula, 
research training programmes and modules available at the EU Higher Education Institutes, 
vocational core curricula and teaching/training methods updated, vocational core curricula and 
teaching/training methods integrated in national vocational training systems 

Outlook 

  Enhancing the outcome of education and training for the sustainable and circular economy 

will requires a combined effort of professionals in education and industries  

  Regional bioeconomy actors will contribute to identifying the education needs in relation 

to the local specificities.  

  It  is  desirable  to  improve  the  knowledge  sharing  and  knowledge  management  across 

bioeconomy experts groups and institutions for innovation 

53 

 
 
 
 
Action 3.1 - Enhance the knowledge on the bioeconomy, including on biodiversity and 
ecosystems to deploy it within safe ecological limits, and make it accessible through the 
Knowledge Centre for Bioeconomy 

Activity 3.1.1 - Enhance information and the knowledge base on the bioeconomy, including 
sustainable biomass supply and demand, and forward looking, cross-sectoral assessments, and 
make it accessible through the Knowledge Centre for Bioeconomy 

Objective  

  To  enhance  the  knowledge  base  on  EU  bioeconomy,  including  ecosystems  and  their 

services, primary production and bio-based sectors 

  To enhance the understanding on biomass supply, uses and flows, assessing the physical, 

environmental, social and economic dimensions of the bioeconomy.  

  To develop and implement forward-looking modelling capacity in the areas related to the 

bioeconomy, in order to assess policy options 

  To  make  this  information  available  to  EU  policymakers  and  other  stakeholders  in  a 
transparent, tailored, concise and accessible manner through the Commission's Knowledge 
Centre for Bioeconomy47. 

Implementation  
Research conducted by the Commission’s Joint Research Centre, covered all key facets of the 
bioeconomy: the condition of land and marine ecosystems and their services, the supply of and 
demand  for  biomass  across  sources  and  uses,  including  bio-waste,  and  the  associated 
environmental impacts, bio-based industries as well as socioeconomic aspects.  It also included 
the development of forward-looking analysis tools such as modelling and foresight to explore 
scenarios and their socio-economic and environmental impacts and trade-offs48. Furthermore, 
the  knowledge  base  was  complemented  by  data  and  information  from  more  than  170  other 
sources  that  were  continuously  screened,  filtered  and  made  accessible  through  the 
Commission’s  Knowledge  Centre  for  Bioeconomy  and  by  expertise  from  more  than  700 
specialists that contributed to workshops organised in the context of a Community of Practice. 

Impact  

Important  advances  in  scientific  knowledge  achieved  and  documented  in  the  scientific 
literature.  In  particular,  between  11-Oct-2018  and  2-Feb-2022,  the  JRC  has  published  464 
outputs capturing different aspects of the bioeconomy, including 275 scientific papers and 93 
technical  reports.  These  publications,  complemented  by  more  than  two  thousand  additional 
resources  (publications,  datasets,  data  visualisations,  online  tools,  etc.)  curated  from  other 
sources, have been made publicly accessible through the Commission’s Knowledge Centre for 
Bioeconomy. This distilled knowledge base has helped to shed light on key issues and trade-
offs  within  the  bioeconomy,  including  by  providing  indicators  for  the  EU  Bioeconomy 
Monitoring System (see action 3.2.2). It has also been used to inform several other EU policy 
initiatives,  linked  to  the  bioeconomy,  including  the  Circular  Economy,  the  Common 
Agricultural  Policy  and  the  long-term  Vision  for  the  EU's  Rural  Areas,  the  Biodiversity 

47 https://knowledge4policy.ec.europa.eu/bioeconomy  
48 https://knowledge4policy.ec.europa.eu/bioeconomy/key-publications  

54 

 
 
                                                 
Strategy, climate action and renewable energy proposals, the new EU Forest Strategy, as well 
as  the  preparation  of  upcoming  EU  strategies  on  sustainable  textiles  and  for  the  algae 
sector.Outlook 
The Commission and its Joint Research Centre plan to continue deploying, under the umbrella 
of the Knowledge Centre for Bioeconomy, a fully-fledged bioeconomy intelligence to tackle 
multi-faceted questions to increase understanding of the ecological boundaries. 

Activity  3.1.2  -  Strengthen  the  understanding,  resilience  and  status  of  biodiversity  and 
terrestrial and marine ecosystems, including their services and related socio-economic costs 
and benefits, also by filling knowledge gaps  

Objective  
This activity addresses a range of sub-objectives to enhance knowledge about ecosystems, their 
resilience and the services they provide in support to the EU Biodiversity Strategy 2030 and 
the foreseen EU Nature Restoration Plan: 
  To suport calls for proposals under Horizon Europe  
  To support the iniciative of the European Biodiversity Partnership (Biodiversa)  
  To facilitate further development of work of the EU MAES including a thorough EU wide 
assessment of ecosystem condition, pressures and services and how they have changed over 
time (between 2010 and 2020)  

  To identify key knowledge gaps to better develop ecosystem assessments at EU level 
  To support the development of ecosystem service accounts under INCA project that will 
provide the monetary estimates of the benefits that ecosystems generate to society, but also 
will  assess  the  overexplotation  of  ecosystem  services  or  situations  of  ecosystem  deficit 
where ecosystem’s capacity should be enhanced 

Implementation  
Some  of  the  actions  under  the  aforementioned  sub-objectives  have  been  fulfilled.  The  key 
deliverables between 2019-2021 are summarized below: 
  The summary for policy makers of the EU ecosystem assessment is currently being used as 
reference document in the development of the EU Nature Restoration Plan and its impact 
assessment 

  EU ecosystem assessment: 
  Detailed report on EU trends of ecosystem condition and services49 
  Summary for policy makers50 
  Natural Capital Accounting: 
  Final INCA report51 
  Pilot ecosystem service accounts report52 
  Call for Proposals Green Deal Call, Area 7: Restoring biodiversity and ecosystem services53 

49 https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC120383  
50 https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC123783 
51 https://op.europa.eu/en/publication-detail/-/publication/e489a6b2-d7b9-11eb-895a-01aa75ed71a1/language-en 
52 https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC126566 
53 https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/lc-gd-7-1-2020  

55 

 
 
 
                                                 
Impact  
  The summary for policy makers of the EU ecosystem assessment is currently being used as 
reference document in the development of the EU Nature Restoration Plan and its impact 
assessment 

  EU MAES and INCA activities (that collectively include Commission Services ENV, RTD, 
ESTAT, JRC; as well the EEA; EU MS) have two websites to show updated data and most 
recent reports: 

  MAES54 
  INCA website for sharing all accounting data and maps for ecosystem services55 
  Integration of some EU  MAES  indicators in  the EU Bioeconomy Monitoring System  in 
support to objective 2 of the EU Bioeconomy (Managing Natural Resources Sustainably) 
  GIS based modules that can automate largely the production of ecosystem services accounts 

based on the JRC ecosystem services models and workflows 

Outlook 
This activity brings key knowledge on the state and trends of ecosystems and their services, as 
well as pressures they are exposed to. This is particularly important to understand where and 
how much ecosystems are degraded and threatened so as to guide priority and cost-effective 
restoration efforts. 
In relation to ecosystem integrity assessment, further work would be required to align the work 
under MAES into to the international standard on ecosystem accounts defined by UN (SEEA 
EA56) 
Under INCA an updated version of ecosystem service accounts will be released soon, updated 
for 2018, including the following ecosystem services: crop provision, timber provision, carbon 
sequestration, habitat and species maintenance, water purification, soil retention, flood control 
and nature-based recreation. All data will become available at the INCA website57 

Activity  3.1.3  -  Provide  better  data  on  the  status  and  management  of  forest  ecosystems  to 
support the sustainable availability of domestic biomass resources, carbon sequestration and 
ecosystem resilience 

Objective  
The  Forest  Information  System  for  Europe  (FISE)  was  first  developed  in  the  2013  Forest 
Strategy to address the need for more accurate, frequent and harmonised data and assessment 
tools on the status and management of Europe’s forest ecosystems and to become a reference 
platform for forest-related data and information for various interest groups, while cutting across 
sectors  and  policy  areas.  The  role  of  FISE  was  reaffirmed  in  the  New  EU  Forest  Strategy 
COM(2021) 572 to become the corner stone for harmonised forest data in Europe. 
Its main objectives are: 

54 https://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/knowledge/ecosystem_assessment/index_en.htm 
55 https://ecosystem-accounts.jrc.ec.europa.eu/ 
56 https://seea.un.org/ecosystem-accounting  
57 https://ecosystem-accounts.jrc.ec.europa.eu/  

56 

 
 
 
                                                 
  Collect,  analyse,  and  make  available  harmonised  forest  data  and  information  in  a 

transparent manner for the EU and, to the extent possible, for the EEA. 

  Support policymaking in forest-related sectors through tailor-made information products.  
  Facilitate expert knowledge sharing, research and innovation. 

Implementation  
FISE  is  a  partnership  between  the  European  Commission  (EC)  services  and  the  European 
Environment  Agency  (EEA).  It  is  online  since  2019  and  provides  an  ever-growing  list  of 
datasets and key information related to forest ecosystems for a broad public. 
Future additions will include: 
  New dashboards for key forest information, regular reports and lay summaries on forests in 

the EU will be incorporated to FISE. 

  The future legislative proposal on EU Forest Observation, Reporting and Data Collection 

will be framed under FISE. 

  The MapMyTree counter of the 3 Billion Trees Initiative will be hosted on the FISE website. 

Impact  
FISE represents a clear progress. Its impact on the accessibility of available forest related data 
and as a motor of new harmonised forest related information is difficult to quantify, but leaves 
no doubt. Relevant indicators are still under development, though candidates for quantitative 
indicators to measure progress are: 
 
 

the average monthly organic website traffic on the FISE homepage 
the total number of datasets available on FISE 

Outlook 
FISE is already effectively serving its purpose and it is expected to play a significantly more 
important  role  as  a  forest  information  platform  in  the  future.  The  implications  for  the 
accessibility of forest related data could be game changing, though also dependent on the future 
legislative proposal on EU Forest Observation, Reporting and Data Collection.  

Action 3.2 Increase observation, measurement, monitoring and reporting capabilities and 
build  an  EU-wide,  internationally  coherent  monitoring  system  to  track  economic, 
environmental and social progress towards a sustainable bioeconomy 

Activity 3.2.1 - Increase observation, measurement, monitoring and reporting capabilities on 
the  condition  of  biodiversity,  ecosystems  and  ecosystem  services,  to  underpin  ecosystem 
conservation and restoration 

Objective 
This activity will help to: better detect and assess trends in biodiversity and ecosystems and 
progress  towards  restoring  degraded  ecosystems,  provide  a  sound  basis  for  identifying  and 
prioritising  restoration  actions,  and  support  the  provision  of  timely  spatially  explicit 
information on the state and condition of biodiversity and ecosystems.  

57 

 
 
 
Implementation  
  Further development of official monitoring and reporting of ecosystems and biodiversity at 
EU level and by Member States coordinated by the European Commission (DG ENV in 
particular) and with the support of the EEA and its Topic Centres. This includes reporting 
linked to existing and future nature legislation but also covers work in other areas, eg the 
LULUCF reporting in the climate domain.  

  Strengthening  of  cooperation  between  key  actors  in  this  field,  including  the  European 
Commission, EU bodies such as the European Environment Agency, Member State bodies 
responsible for biodiversity monitoring and reporting, the research community and citizen 
science organisations that help compile biodiversity data on the ground 

  Strengthening  the  development  of  Copernicus  products  in  support  of  ecosystem  and 

biodiversity monitoring 

  Encouraging the further development of ecosystem and biodiversity monitoring at Member 
State  level  via  funding,  legislative  action  as  well  as  capacity  building  and  networking: 
Horizon 2020 ERA-NET COFUND project BiodivERsA as the main EU-level action.  

Impact  

  In 2020 the EEA published an assessment on the state of nature in the EU based on reports 
from  Member  States  under  the  Birds  (2009/147/EC)  and  the  Habitats  (92/43/EEC) 
directives and on subsequent assessments at EU or EU biogeographical levels.58 

  A comprehensive EU-level review of the extent and condition of European ecosystems was 

published in 2020.59 

  The  EU  INCA  project  (‘Integrated  Accounting  for  Natural  Capital  and  Ecosystem 
Services’)  has  tested  and  implemented  the  SEEA  EA  approach  which  has  substantially 
contributed  to  EU  level  knowledge  on  the  state  of  ecosystems  and  their  ecosystem 
services.60[ Eurostat  has  coordinated  the  EU  INCA  project  and  is  currently  developing  a 
module  on  ecosystem  accounting  under  Regulation  691/2011,  in  interaction  with  EU 
Member States. 

  EU  Copernicus  satellite  program,  in  particular  the  Copernicus  land  monitoring  service 
coordinated by EEA (Copernicus Land Monitoring Service): A significant range of products 
is being developed – High Resolution Phenology and Productivity, CLC+ (a follow-up data 
set to CLC), as well as a European Ground Motion Service. 

  Coordinated research actions to mobilise specialist expertise in ecosystem and biodiversity 
monitoring  and  to  facilitate  innovation  and  technological  development:  EuropaBON 
(established in 2020); MarBioME (Marine Biodiversity Monitoring in Europe). 

  More than 200 European- and 300 international  biodiversity monitoring programs are in 

place to date. 

58 https://www.eea.europa.eu/publications/state-of-nature-in-the-eu-2020  

59 https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC120383 

60 https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/en/web/products-statistical-reports/-/ks-ft-20-002 

58 

 
 
                                                 
Outlook 
  Follow-up work is currently in progress to develop an EU-wide methodology to map, assess 
and  achieve  good  condition  of  ecosystems  so  they  can  deliver  benefits  such  as  climate 
regulation,  water  regulation,  soil  health,  and  pollination  and  disaster  prevention  and 
protection.   

Activity  3.2.2  -  Build  an  EU-wide,  internationally  coherent  monitoring  system  to  track 
economic, environmental and social progress towards a sustainable bioeconomy 

Objective  
The  action  is  to  develop  and  implement  a  comprehensive  monitoring  system  to  assess  the 
environmental, social and economic sustainability of the EU Bioeconomy and make it publicly 
available via the Knowledge Centre for Bioeconomy.  
Objectives  
  To design a simple and comprehensive monitoring framework in collaboration with partner 
DGs, policy makers, Member States, scientific experts and other stakeholders from within 
and outside the EC Services 

  To  identify  relevant  indicators  to  gauge  the  progress  and  sustainability  of  the  EU 

Bioeconomy both within and outside of the EU   

  To ensure a flexible monitoring system that is conducive to modifications as new data and 

information becomes available 

  To  coordinate  with  other  monitoring  frameworks,  in  Member  States  and  international 

organisations (e.g. FAO, OECD) 

  To minimise reporting burdens on all data providers    
  To improve data collection exercises in order to close identified gaps 
  To review the framework periodically to ensure it is fit for purpose 
  To  disseminate  the  information  in  a  user-friendly  way,  through  dashboards  and  other 

dynamic visualisations in the Knowledge Centre for the Bioeconomy 

Implementation  
2019: The conceptual framework for the EU Bioeconomy Monitoring System was developed 
and published by the Commission’s Joint Research Centre in collaboration with Member State 
experts,  International  organisations,  academia,  and  policy  officers  from  different  European 
Commission DGs.  
2020:  Indicators,  including  ones  developed  by  the  Commission  (see  action  3.1.1)  were 
identified and selected in collaboration with stakeholders; the Monitoring System was launched 
on  the  occasion  of  the  Global  Bioeconomy  Summit  in  November.  To  close  data  gaps,  the 
Commission is working with external experts. 
2021: Mapping of indicators for Bioeconomy to the SDGs and European Green Deal; initiation 
with  MS  Experts  to  conceive  methods  for  holistic  and  system’s  level  monitoring.  Joint 
publication with FAO on Guidelines for Monitoring Bioeconomy61. 

61 https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC126052  

59 

 
 
 
                                                 
Future work:  Operational system-level reporting on overall EU Bioeconomy sustainability and 
Science to Policy report on the sustainability of the EU Bioeconomy.  

Impact  

  Online dashboards via the European Commission's Knowledge Centre for Bioeconomy: 39 
indicators have been published; 43 are in the pipeline and 74 are aspirational indicators in 
various stages of completion 

  Since its launch the Monitoring System has had 5808 hits of which 4366 unique (as of 2 

Feb. 2022)   

  Periodic  reporting  on  progress  towards  the  sustainability  of  the  EU  Bioeconomy: 
forthcoming (periodic reports on the state of the monitoring system are published as well) 

Outlook 
Fundamental is disseminating the underlying data and methodologies for use by stakeholders, 
hence numerous indicators are shown and kept up-to-date in the system, yet the JRC should 
also  provide  aggregate  and  system’s  level  indicators  (based  on  the  underlying  indicators 
already provided in the system). 

Activity 3.2.3 - Increase monitoring of degraded land areas or land at risk of climate impacts 
such as desertification, to underpin action for restoration of land based systems  

Objective 
A  key  objective  of  the  recently  launched  EU  Soil  Observatory  is  the  development  of  an 
integrated soil and land monitoring system for the EU. Such a system will utilize a range of 
dataflows, building on the current LUCAS Soil Module (as the only coherent mechanism for the 
collection  of  harmonized  soil  data  for  the  EU)  but  increasingly  coherent  with  monitoring 
activities  in  Member  States  and  complementary  data  streams  (e.g.  COPERNICUS,  precision 
agriculture systems, citizen science). Its main objectives are: 

  Collect,  analyse,  and  make  available  harmonised  soil  and  land  degradation  data  and 
information in a transparent manner for the EU and, to the extent possible, for the EEA 
  Support policymaking in soil and land degradation related sectors through information 

systems such as dashboards and indicators 

  Facilitate  coherent  data  collection  through  the  development  of  an  integrated  soil 

monitoring system for the EU (in collaboration with MS). 

  Provide a platform for knowledge sharing, research and innovation (links to Mission and 

Horizon Europe R&I Programmes) 

  Support  citizen  engagement  action,  enhanced  societal  literacy  on  soil  and  land 

degradation  

Implementation  
EUSO is an institutional activity of the JRC, with a target to be operational by the end of 2022 
by bringing a series of intermediate services online during 2022.  Development will continue 
beyond  2022  to  address  the  requirements  of  evolving  policy  needs.  It  is  steered  through  an 
Interservice  Advisory  Committee  reflecting  the  main  policy  interests.  It  collaborates  closely 
with the EEA and its Land Information System for Europe (LISE). Its development builds on 

60 

 
 
 
the European Soil Data Centre (ESDAC), which has been successfully providing an increasing 
selection of datasets and key information related to soils for the past 10 years. Extensive use will 
also be made of data collected through the 2022 LUCAS Soil Module. 
Future additions will include: 

  New soil health and soil policy dashboards that will form the basis for regular and formal 
reporting (for example, the Soil Strategy’s Action to publish information every five years 
about  the  state  of  land  degradation  and  desertification  in  the  EU).Support  the 
establishment  of  a  methodology  and  relevant  indicators  to  assess  the  extent  of 
desertification  and  soil/land  degradation  in  the  EU,  starting  with  the  UNCCD’s 
Methodology for SDG 15.3 indicator. 
In dialogue with Member States and other key stakeholders, develop a road map for a 
pan-EU integrated soil monitoring system, building on the work of the European Joint 
Programme Initiaitive on agricultural soil management.  

 

  Provide EU-wide harmonised assessments of soil organic carbon stocks, biodiversity and 

soil pollution  

Impact 
Some  indicators  and  trend  data  are  currently  available.  The  Soil  Health  and  Food  Mission 
Board’s report presented evidence that showed that 60-70% of EU soils are in an unhealthy state. 
These figures reflect  the facts  that:  24% of agricultural  land has  unsustainable water erosion 
rates; cropland soils losing carbon at a rate of 0.5% per year and 50% of peatlands drained and 
losing carbon;  23% of land with  high density subsoil  indicating compaction; 25% of land at 
High or Very High risk of desertification in Southern, Central and Eastern Europe in 2017 - an 
increase of 11% in desertification in just 10 years. 
Other  indicators  of  land  degradation  (e.g.  diffuse  pollution,  soil  compaction,  soil  health 
indicator)  are  still  under  development,  often  reflecting  knowledge  or  data  gaps.  It  should  be 
noted that the costs associated with soil degradation in the EU exceed 50 billion € per year. 

Outlook 
The  JRC’s  ESDAC  and  LUCAS  Soil  Module  are  already  serving  policy  makers  and  other 
stakeholders through the provision of data on soil and land condition. This role will be enhanced 
through EUSO through the development of harmonized soil data flows, enhanced reporting of 
soil health and related degradational pressures. It will additionally serve the research community 
through the development of a portal to promote the outcomes of EU-funded R&I actions while 
developing and enhancing soil literacy throughout the EU at all levels. The EUSO is expected 
to a significantly role in the development and implementation of the proposed Soil Health Law 
as well as soil related aspects of the Bioeconomy Strategy and other policy areas.  

Action 3.3 Provide voluntary guidance to operate the bioeconomy within safe ecological 
limits 

Activity  3.3.1  -  Guidance  will  be  published,  based  on  analysis  and  assessments  to 
operationalise knowledge on: demand pressures (such as land use change and land demand), 
ecosystem  condition,  multifunctional  ecosystems,  services  and  productivity,  conservation, 

61 

 
 
 
restoration  and  ecosystem  resilience.  This  will  build  on  guidance  on  integrating  ecosystem 
services into decision making  

Objective 
The guidance document “Managing healthy and resilient ecosystems in the bioeconomy”, is 
the final deliverable from a Specific Contract launched in 2019 to help support on integrating 
ecosystem services into decision making.  
The guidance document was published in January 2022.62 

Implementation  
The  guidelines  document  is  set  out  a  clear  definition  of  what  is  meant  by  an  “Ecological 
Approach  to  the  Bioeconomy”  and  include  perspectives  from  the  bioeconomy  that  are 
underpinned by biodiversity, conservation and ecosystem approaches as defined in CBD, and 
relevant EU policy and legislation. It is then documented key principles, their definitions and 
rationales for managing healthy and resilient ecosystems and their services in agroecosystems, 
forest  ecosystems  and  marine  ecosystems.  The  principles  are  supported  by  best  practice 
guidelines and indicators, drawing on case studies and visualisations (e.g. photos, infographics, 
maps, figures) to illustrate points that are made. 

Impact  
This guidance is positioned to realize joint agendas for the EU 2018 Bioeconomy Strategy and 
the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030. While contributing to the action plan that supports the 
EU 2018  Bioeconomy Strategy, this project  is  also  strongly  aligned to  the EU  Biodiversity 
Strategy for 2030, a core part of the European Green Deal. 
The principles is supported by best practice guidelines and indicators, drawing on case studies. 
It will serve to policy maker to address biodiversity and include recommendation on ecological 
principles in the different sectors of bioeconomy. 
This study can also usefully be disseminated across and beyond DG ENV and the Commission 
to  relevant  audiences  (e.g.  Member  States  authorities)  as  it  will  serve  land  managers, 
practitioners, and regulatory authorities in making decisions on how to design and implement 
the principles for managing healthy and resilient ecosystems in the bioeconomy, both on site 
and at regional level.  

Outlook 
The ecological guidelines use the principles, criteria and standards for ecological restoration as 
a  starting  point.  However,  these  are  customized  for  use  in  the  sustainable  and  circular 
bioeconomy,  which  focuses  on  restoring  ecological  functioning  and  specific  species,  rather 
than necessitating full recovery of native ecosystems. 
Three  interacting  sets  of  principles  are  highlighted  to  guide  good  practices  for  managing 
healthy  and  resilient  ecosystems  in  the  bioeconomy:  ecosystem,  enabling  and  systemic 
principles.  
Ecosystem principles consider important requirements for species and ecological functioning. 

62 https://op.europa.eu/en/publication-detail/-/publication/26949618-735c-11ec-9136-01aa75ed71a1 

62 

 
 
                                                 
Enabling principles are needed to underpin the implementation of the ecosystem principles, 
and include stakeholder participation, and enabling policy and finances.  
Systemic  principles  acknowledge  the  complexity  of  interlinked  global  systems,  and  seek  to 
make  explicit  the  benefits  and  trade-offs  of  each  good  practice  in  relation  to  broader 
environmental, social and economic goals. 

Action  3.4  -  Better  integrate  the  benefits  of  biodiversity-rich  ecosystems  in  primary 
production through a specific support to agro-ecology, the development of microbiome-
based solutions, and new tools to integrate pollinators in supply value chains 

Activity 3.4.1 - Increasing the understanding of microbial biodiversity with a view to develop 
microbiome-based solutions 

Objective  
The action aims at fostering healthy and sustainable food and primary production systems by 
enhancing microbial biodiversity in the context of, land and marine ecosystems, including their 
health and environmental benefits and interactions within and between the ecosystems. The 
action aims also at developing, testing and deploying of effective microbiome-based solutions 
to  improve  One  Health  and  environmental  benefits  in  food  systems,  as  well  as  building  on 
existing  initiatives  and  projects  such  as  the  International  Bioeconomy  Forum  and  ongoing 
H2020 and Horizon Europe and national projects. 

Implementation  
Implementation via WP 2018-20 and H2020 projects as well as the ongoing Horizon Europe 
calls covering aspects of microbiome in relation to: increased agricultural sustainability and 
productivity;  increased  food  quality;  nutrition;  sustainable  agriculture;  biodiversity;  marine 
microbiome; climate change adaptation and mitigation; bioeconomy; fresh water; soil health 
and restoration; new-genomic techniques; new industrial sectors and cross sector activates.   
European  Partnerships  under  Horizon  Europe;  Missions  on:  Adaptation  to  climate  change 
including societal transformation; Healthy oceans, seas and inland waters; Soil health and food. 
Moreover, implementation is ongoing through the cooperation with International Partners, MS, 
the private sector and related DGs.  

Impact  
  Increase the knowledge on microbial diversity in organisms and ecosystems  
  Development  of  Innovative  Microbiome-based  products  and  processes  resulting  in 
enhanced  human  diets  and  human  health  as  well  as  increased  resilience  and  quality  of 
primary production systems  

  Strengthened  European  and  International  cooperation  in  the  field  of  Microbiome  e.g. 
through the IBF Microbiome WG and enlargement of the IBF partners (consolidation of 
networks); 

  Enhanced consumer perception of the role of the microbiome  
  Enhanced biodiversity protection and regeneration in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems 

Outlook 

63 

 
 
 
The Commission and its JRC plan to continue developing and deploying microbiome-based 
solutions as per targets set in the European Green Deal. 
On  the  public  side,  there  is  a  need  to  improve  engagement  with  Member  States  and  public 
authorities at regional and local levels.  
Future  initiatives  should  be  stimulated  to  use  a  systems  approach  and  to  work  inter-
disciplinarily  and  trans-disciplinarily  to  understand  the  role  of  microbiomes  in  different 
ecosystems and assess how microbiomes are inter-connected throughout ecosystems. 

Activity 3.4.2 - Developing a roadmap for action to support agro-ecology mobilising the EU 
Research  and  Innovation  Framework  Programme,  Common  Agricultural  Policy,  LIFE 
Programme and other relevant EU instruments 

Objective  
The overall objective of this action is to contribute to accelerating the shift to more resilient, 
climate, ecosystem and biodiversity-friendly agri-food systems. The action aims at developing 
solutions based on agroecological approaches that are adapted to site-specific needs and have 
the potential to be widely adopted.  

Implementation 
The action is implemented through the co-creation of a roadmap for research and innovation 
activities on ‘’Ecological approaches in agricultural land-based primary production’’, which 
includes actions on agroecology, agroforestry and organic farming. This has led to the inclusion 
of seven topics in the first Work Programme of Horizon Europe (2021-2022). The roadmap is 
currently the basis for co-creating topics for the Horizon Europe Work Programme 2023-2024, 
including the topic for the co-funded partnership on ‘’Accelerating farming systems transition: 
agro-ecology living labs and research infrastructures’’ (see activity 2.2.5.1.) 

Impact 
Activities will increase evidence of the potential of agroecology to help achieve key targets of 
the Green deal, and overall improve the knowledge base to support the implementation of EU 
policies and initiatives relevant for the agricultural sector. Thanks to the increase in EU-funded 
research on agroecology through the above activities, and the creation of a Strategic Working 
Group  on  Agroecology  under  the  Standing  Committee  on  Agricultural  Research,  bringing 
together 26 countries to build the agroecology partnership, connections in the agroecological 
scientific and stakeholder community at European and national level and the R&I ecosystem 
on agroecology is being strengthened.  

Outlook 
There is a need to continue supporting transnational, transdisciplinary and multi-actor research 
activities  on  the  benefits,  challenges  and  potential  of  agroecology  in  various  contexts  and 
locations. While time-bound research and innovation projects can deliver valuable knowledge 
on agroecology and its implementation in different pedo-climatic conditions, due to the long-
term  nature  of  ecological  and  social  processes  involved  in  agroecology,  there  is  a  need  for 
instruments that are better adapted to measure and monitor the performance of agroecology, 
and to support longer-term innovation processes that are likely to deliver greater impact. The 

64 

 
 
 
co-funded partnership on agroecology (action 2.2.5.1.) will provide an important contribution 
to this end.  

Activity 3.4.3 - Developing tools for the integration of pollinators and pollination service into 
the design of sustainable biomass supply value chains  

Objective 
This  activity  aims  to  develop  tools  for  businesses  to  assess  the  dependence  of  their  supply 
chains  on  biomass  whose  production  relies  on  animal  pollination  services,  and  risks  and 
opportunities associated with it. This requires a robust knowledge base on the status and trends 
of  pollinator  populations  as  well  as  crop  distribution  and  production.  The  tools  will  enable 
businesses to contribute more effectively to the EU actions on tackling pollinator decline and 
mitigate risks within their supply chains.   
Objectives: 
1. Support the implementation of an EU Pollinator Monitoring Scheme in all Member States; 
2.  Support  business  decision  making  with  regard  to  pollinator-dependent  supply  chains  by 
compiling  the  collected  information  and  making  it  available  through  user-friendly  tools 
(atlases, pollination deficit warning system, risk assessment tools). 

Implementation  
  Expert proposal for an EU Pollinator Monitoring Scheme (EUPOMS) developed and 

published in October 202063. 

  Preparatory Action for piloting and testing EUPOMS launched in June 2021 (budget EUR 

5 M)64.  

  A number of proposed topics in Horizon Europe’s Work Programme for 2021/22 supports 

the development of tools and expert capacity building for the implementation of 
EUPOMS65. 

  Biodiversa+, the new European co-funded biodiversity partnership66, includes as one of 

its objectives support biodiversity monitoring, including EUPOMS. 

  The Commission is working with Member States to address the exchange of, sharing, 
access to, and use of interoperable, non-personal, spatial data available in the CAP’s 
Integrated Administration and Control System (IACS)67. 
In 2021, the final report of the INCA project68 was published. It showed that 50% of the 
land cultivated with pollinator-dependent crops faces a pollination deficit. 

 

Impact  

63 https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC122225  
64 https://wikis.ec.europa.eu/display/EUPKH/SPRING+project  
65 https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/wp-call/2021-2022/wp-9-food-
bioeconomy-natural-resources-agriculture-and-environment_horizon-2021-2022_en.pdf  
66 https://www.biodiversa.org/  
67 The IACS contains potentially valuable information on pollinators and pollination services such as the spatial distribution 
and location of crops, farming practices or CAP measures: https://ec.europa.eu/info/food-farming-fisheries/key-
policies/common-agricultural-policy/financing-cap/financial-assurance/managing-payments_en  
68 https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/en/web/products-statistical-reports/-/ks-ft-20-002  

65 

 
 
 
                                                 
It is too early to report progress in quantitative terms. The implementation of EUPOMS on 
the ground is expected in 2023/24.   

Outlook 
The work on this activity continues. Implementation of a new and ambitious monitoring 
scheme for pollinators requires time and resources. 
In Q1 2022, the Commission will set up an expert group on pollinators with a view to support 
further discussion with Member States on the development and rollout of EUPOMS.   

6  BRIEF  SUMMARY  OF  THE  MEMBER  STATES’  COMPLEMENTARY 

INITIATIVES 

At the 2nd Expert Level Meeting in the framework of the European Bioeconomy Policy Forum 
(EBPF), the European Commission launched an informal exchange of views and experience 
with the EBPF Members and Observers on the Bioeconomy Strategy and the Action Plan. The 
feedback exercise, in form of an informal survey, took place between March and July 2021. 13 
Member States provided their feedback to the five survey questions. This section presents the 
analysis of the feedback received on question 1: “With regard to the EU Bioeconomy Strategy 
Actions  listed  in  the  tables  that  follow,  we  invite  you  to  briefly  report  on  activities,  if  any, 
undertaken  in  your  Member  State  relating  to  each  action.  These  activities  may  directly 
contribute to the EU action or may be parallel/complementary actions in your Member State 
inspired by the EU Action.” 

The following tables list selected examples of initiatives and developments that Member States 
reported as complementary activities at national level related to each of the 14 actions outlined 
in  the  Bioeconomy  Strategy  Action  Plan.  Each  of  the  three  tables  presents  the  reported 
initiatives in a dedicated action area. 

Action area 1 – Strengthen and scale-up the bio-based sectors, unlock investments and 
markets 

1.1  Mobilise  public  and 
private  stakeholders, 
in 
demonstration 
research, 
and 
of 
deployment 
sustainable,  inclusive  and 
bio-based 
circular 
solutions 

1.2  Launch  of  the  EUR 
100  million  Circular 
Bioeconomy 
Thematic 
Investment Platform 

1.3  Study  and  analysis  of 
enablers  and  bottlenecks 

The Member States participating in the survey listed a number of different initiatives. Some 
of them include:  

  relevant R&I funding schemes;  
  innovation and demonstration platforms (e.g. AT, FI); 
  dialogue platforms or other type of collaborations (e.g. DE, IT, SE); 
  science, competence or innovation centres (e.g. HR, LV, LU);  
  awareness  raising  activities  such  as  a  science  year  dedicated  to  bioeconomy  (DE),  an 

annual conference on bioeconomy (SE), other information campaigns (DE); 

  relevant  activities  in  the  framework  of  the  BIOEAST  initiative  (e.g.  BG,  HR),  or  in 
relation to the development/ update of national bioeconomy strategies (e.g. FI, HU, SE) 
A  few  Member  States  listed  complementary  actions  at  national  level.  For  example,  some 
mentioned national funding mechanisms (e.g. AT, DE, PT). One Member State (IT) holds an 
annual investment forum and implement relevant projects in the framework of their national 
bioeconomy strategy. Another Member State (FI) mentioned that their National Liaison Office 
for the Horizon Europe offers free services to actors interested in funding.  
Several Member States listed relevant national or other studies, for example: 

66 

 
 
 
 
 
  Study  on  the  legal  framework  and  legal  barriers  to  bioeconomy  in  the  energy, 

construction, wood, bioplastic-materials and waste sector (DE) 
  Study on the implementation of the LEADER/CLLD approach (LV) 
  OECD study “Innovation, Agricultural Productivity and Sustainability in Latvia” (LV) 
  Study “ECO.BIO: Acceleration of solutions in circular economy and bioeconomy” (PT) 
  report conducted by the program BioInnovation, compiling challenges and opportunities 

for bioeconomy (SE) 

Some Member States mentioned that analyses of enablers and bottlenecks had been conducted 
in the framework of their national bioeconomy strategies (e.g. FI, IT, SE). Other mentioned 
also  relevant  funding  schemes,  a  project  for  exchanging  best  practices,  relevant  activities 
pursued by other entities/ external platforms.  
Different  complementary  initiatives  were  mentioned  by  the  Member  States,  such  as  for 
example: 

  funding relevant projects (e.g. DE, PT) 
  development of a label for local wood (LU) or taking part in the development of CEN-

standards for biobased products (SE) 

  conducting studies on ecological balances of bio-based products and solutions or on labels 

(e.g. DE) 

  natural  resource  centre  provides  information  about  environmental  performance  of  bio 

based products (e.g. FI) 

  other indirect activities (e.g. provision of high quality data through INSPIRE, developing 
a  common  methodology  for  assessment  of  carbon  footprint of  agricultural  enterprises, 
etc.) 

Most  Member  States  participating  in  the  survey  listed  funding  projects  as  complementary 
initiatives for action 1.5: 

  More than ten projects in the field of biomass production, harvesting and processing (FR) 
  Funding  for  (new)  biorefinieries  (e.g.  DE,  IT,  SE,  EE),  such  as  biodegradable  waste 

recycling facilities (LV) 

One Member State conducted a study outlining the resource potential for biorefineries (AT), 
another  established  a  Working  Group  with  the  involvement  of  various  universities  and 
business  actors  in  order  to  map  the  opportunities  for  bio  refineries  (HU)  and  some  other 
Member States mentioned less direct activities. 
For action 1.6, several Member States listed R&I funding schemes (e.g. AT, BG, HR, EE, DE, 
IT, LV, PT). Some Member States also mentioned the relevant work carried out by national 
technology competence and development centres or clusters (e.g. HU, LV, EE), including open 
access pilot plans (DE). Two Member States published relevant studies (on the situation and 
prospects  of  the  Estonian  bioeconomy  sectors  and  development  of  business  models)  and  a 
French study, which developed an inventory of bioresources from aquatic environments. Some 
Member States also mentioned the relevant work in the private sector (e.g. HR, FI, LU) and 
an establishment of a private-public-partnership research program (SE). 

and  provide  voluntary 
guidance 
the 
deployment  of  bio-based 
innovations 

to 

Promote 

and/or 
1.4 
develop 
standards  and 
emerging  market-based 
incentives,  and  improve 
labels  applicable  to  bio-
based  products  on 
the 
reliable  and 
basis  of 
comparable 
on 
environmental and climate 
performance 

data 

Facilitate 
of 

the 
1.5 
development 
new 
sustainable  biorefineries 
and  confirm  the  type  and 
estimated potential 

Research 

recyclable 

and 
1.6 
innovation 
investments 
for  the  development  of 
substitutes  to  fossil  based 
that  are  bio-
materials 
and 
based, 
marine-biodegradable, 
and  of  bio-remediation 
methods by mobilising the 
key  actors  in  the  relevant 
value chains including the 
plastics value chain and to 
contribute  to  plastic-free, 
healthy  and  productive 
European seas and oceans 

Action area 2 – Deploy local bioeconomies rapidly across Europe 

A 

Strategic 
2.1 
Deployment  Agenda  for 
sustainable 
and 
farming  systems,  forestry 
and  bio-based  production 
in a circular bioeconomy 

food 

As  complementary  activities,  Member  States  listed  a  development  of  local  bioeconomy 
strategies  (DE),  revision  of  national  bioeconomy  strategy  (IT)  and  related  activities  in  the 
framework of the BIOEAST or the BIOEASTsUP project (HU). Many Member States listed 
other national strategies, laws or programmes that cover the issues in relation to Action 2.1: 
  Strategy for Strengthening the Role of the Agricultural Sector in the Bioeconomy (BG) 
  National Strategy/ Action Plan for Transition to a Circular Economy (BG, LV) 
  National strategy for food production (SE)  
  National forest program (SE) 
  National strategy for fishing and aquaculture (SE) 
  Climate and Energy Model Regions programme (AT) 
  Bio- and Circular Finland programme (FI) 
  Circular Economy Law (LV) 

67 

 
 
 
2.2 Pilot actions to support 
bioeconomy 
local 
(rural, 
development 
coastal, 
via 
instruments 
Commission 
and programmes 

urban) 

an  EU 
2.3  Set  up 
policy 
Bioeconomy 
facility  and  a 
support 
European 
Bioeconomy 
Forum for Member States 

2.4  Promote  education, 
training  and  skills  across 
the bioeconomy 

  New General Waste Management Regime (PT) 

In relation to action 2.2, a number of Member States participating in the survey listed their 
relevant funding schemes or projects co-financed through Horizon or the ERDF (e.g. BG, HR, 
EE, DE, IT, LV, PT). Some of the projects mentioned include:  

  BIOPROCRO PROJECT aiming at scaling-up the cultivation of various marine species 

(sponges, algae, bacteria) in Adriatic Sea; 

  FORCRO!’  aiming  at  constructing  17  logistics  and  trade  centres  for  biomass,  169 
collection stations for the purchase of biomass from citizens and legal entities as well as 
17 biomass heating plants and boiler rooms 

  "Development  of  cooperation-based  sustainable  and  safe  food  systems  to  achieve  the 

goals of "Food 2030" 

  Natural Resin Project important for the development of the rural environment. 

Other  Member  States  mentioned  a  coalition  programme  between  regions  with  the  goal  to 
enhance  and  scaling  up  local  and  regional  bioeconomy-related  activities  (SE),  an  annual 
seminar to promote the European funding tool "Bio-Based Industry" to research and industry 
stakeholders (FR) Living Lab concept development (EE), and the relevance of other national 
policies and strategies (LV).  
Most Member States indicated their active engagement in the EU Bioeconomy policy support 
facility and the European Bioeconomy Forum for Member States (e.g. BG, HR, EE, FI, FR, 
DE, HU, IT). Two Member States listed additional activities, i.e. the "European Bioeconomy 
University (a network of five European universities) and the establishment of the Bioeconomy 
Platform  at  federal  level  and  a  platform  at  a  regional  level  (the  Green  Transformation  & 
Bioeconomy Platform in Lower Austria). 
Two  Member  States  suggested  that  education  and  training  have  been  addressed  in  their 
national bioeconomy strategies (DE, IT) and one suggested that this is being addressed in the 
scope of the BIOEAST (HU). Several Member States indicated that they launched specific 
trainings and courses in relation to bioeconomy, for instance: 

  Faculty of Agriculture of the University of Zagreb has launched a graduate programme: 

‘Renewable energy resources in agriculture’ (HR) 

  the concept of bioeconomy was introduced in several school curricula (FR) 
  AgroParisTech  carried  out  numerous  training  and  awareness-raising  days  on  the 

bioeconomy (FR) 

  ForMAR  is  an  adult  training  and  educational  organization  devoted  to  the  ocean,  and 

therefore comprising the Blue Bioeconomy skills (PT) 
  university courses on bio-based production and use (SE). 

Some  other  mentioned  awareness  raising  activities  such  as  development  of  communication 
and  e-learning  materials  (e.g.  DE,  SE),  cross-sectorial  cooperation  (e.g.  BG,  SE),  relevant 
work of competence centres or institutes (e.g. HU). One Member State established a task force 
that mapped national Master and PhD programmes focusing on bioeconomy (IT) and another 
has  launched  an  international  project  for  the  development  of  educational  programs  on 
bioeconomy (BG). A few Member States mentioned specific national funding schemes (e.g. 
AT, DE). 

Action Area 3 – Understand the ecological boundaries of the bioeconomy 

Enhance 
on 

the 
3.1 
knowledge 
the 
bioeconomy, including on 
biodiversity 
and 
ecosystems,  to  deploy  it 
safe 
ecological 
within 
it 
and  make 
limits 
the 
accessible 
through 
Knowledge  Centre 
for 
Bioeconomy 
3.2  Increase  observation, 
measurement,  monitoring 
and  reporting  capabilities 
and  build  an  EU-wide, 
internationally 
coherent 
monitoring system to track 
economic,  environmental 
progress 
and 

social 

Some of the Member States responding to the survey listed awareness raising activities such 
as a plan for development of organic production (BG), information meetings with stakeholders 
of  the  BIOEAST  Initiative  and  seminars  on  circular  (bio)  economics  (BG),  bi-annual 
bioeconomy scientific conference and an annual seminar (FR). Two Member States mentioned 
the work of their national institutes/ agencies in this regard (SE, FI). Some also explained that 
this topic is covered by their national bioeconomy strategies (e.g. AT, DE) and one of them 
mentioned that they provide several funding schemes for research on climate effects, soil and 
biodiversity (DE). 

When it comes to monitoring, several Member States explained that the do not have a national 
bioeconomy monitoring system, however they monitor bioeconomy related developments at 
sectoral  level  (e.g.  EE,  SE,  AT,  FI,  BG,  PT,  LV).  One  Member  State  indicated  that  they 
launched  a  bioeconomy  monitoring  in  2016  and  a  first  comprehensive  ‘pilot  report’  was 
published  in  2020  (DE).  Another  Member  State  launched  a  tailored  task  force  with  the 
objective  to  identify  the  most  reliable  indicators  currently  used  in  the  country  (IT).  Some 
Member States also mentioned their involvement in the EU-led activities (e.g., in the scope of 
the European Bioeconomy Policy Forum or the BIOEASTsUP project). 

68 

 
 
 
sustainable 

a 
towards 
bioeconomy 
3.3  Provide  voluntary 
guidance  to  operate  the 
bioeconomy  within  safe 
ecological limits 

ecosystems 

3.4  Better  integrate  the 
benefits  of  biodiversity-
rich 
in 
primary 
production 
through a specific support 
the 
agro-ecology, 
to 
development 
of 
microbiome-based 
solutions, and new tools to 
integrate  pollinators 
in 
supply value chains 

In relation to action 3.3, some Member States mentioned relevant developments in the scope 
of other strategies, plans and laws (e.g. BG, FI, PT, LV). Austria formulated guidelines in the 
Austrian  Bioeconomy  Strategy  and  Italy  highlighted  the  importance  of  this  action  in  their 
bioeconomy strategy. Some Member States indicated that relevant guidance is provided by 
their national agencies, institutes or councils (FR, DE, SE). One Member State is funding a 
R&D project to investigate the sustainability requirements for the bioeconomy in line with the 
2030 Agenda (DE).   
As mentioned by two Member States, their national strategies explicitly address the objectives 
in relation to action 3.4 (DE, IT). Several Member States listed relevant funding schemes (e.g. 
BG, HR, EE, DE), for example: 

  specific schemes for farmers, e.g. for sustaining biodiversity and other agri-evironmental 

issues;  

  knowledge transfer projects e.g. stocktaking exercises, surveys and non-scientific studies; 
cross-sectoral schemes promoting projects on the subject of “biological diversity”;  
  modelling and demonstration projects in the field of conservation and innovative use of 

biodiversity;  

  research projects related to bio-based and bioeconomy-related sectors 
  agro-ecological support. 

Some other initiatives listed include studies (e.g. EE, FR), microbiome-based solutions carried 
out in private sector (e.g. BG), other national and regional measures (e.g. DE). 

69 

 
 
 
 
 
7  EXAMPLES OF BIOECONOMY PROJECTS  

The  following  gives  a  brief  summary  of  some  projects  of  relevance  for  the  bioeconomy 
covering  a  wide  range  of  topics  addressing  different  issues  over  a  number  of  bioeconomy 
sectors or challenges that the bioeconomy can help address. 

1.  Horizon  2020  project  -  Built-In-Wood:  Sustainable  multi-storey  wooden 

buildings. 

Developing a sustainable and innovative wood value chain for the construction of multi-storey 
wooden  buildings.  The  project  goal  is  to  drastically  increase  the  proportion  of  timber 
construction. The challenge is to offer high-quality, affordable and environmentally friendly 
housing.  

https://www.build-in-wood.eu/ 

2.  Horizon  2020  project  -  GLOPACK:  Aiming  to  food  packaging  with  no 

environmental footprint.  

The project is developing home-compostable, biodegradable packaging made from agro-food 
residues. It is investigating food packaging with no environmental footprint and the ability to 
extend the shelf life of food products.  

https://glopack2020.eu/ 

3.  Horizon 2020 project - HEREWEAR: Locally-produced bio-based textiles.  

Project aims to establish EU market for locally-produced textiles made from locally-sourced 
bio-based materials (e.g. three novel waste streams: seaweed, straw, lignin from wood). The 
bio-based material solutions will build further on the latest bio-based polyester and cellulose 
developments.  

https://herewear.eu/ 

4.  Horizon 2020 project – FUSILLI: Developing new urban food plans  

Its’ core are the 12 Living Labs in 12 different cities, whose main objective it is to develop 
urban food plans within their local contexts to achieve an integrated and safe holistic transition 
towards healthy, sustainable, secure, inclusive and cost-efficient  food systems.  Via an open 
knowledge community, cities will be empowered to implement innovative and personalized 
policies and actions, placing citizens in the heart of the process.  

https://fusilli-project.eu/ 

5.  Horizon 2020 Projects Cluster: The crop diversification cluster  - Joining 

forces to diversify European agriculture.  

The crop diversification cluster brings together research projects which operate in countries 
across Europe to increase the impact of crop diversification research. The cluster encourages 
sustained  uptake  of  diversification  measures  by  European  farmers  and  through  innovations 
across the agri-value chain. The diversification of crops through rotation, multiple cropping 

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and species mixtures can allow farming systems to become more resource-efficient with fewer 
agronomic inputs. Diversified systems can help meet the needs of end users for food, feed and 
industrial products and simultaneously deliver other ecosystem services and public goods.  

https://www.cropdiversification.eu/ 

6.  Bio-Based Industries Joint Undertaking – SSUCHY: Developing advanced 

bio-based composites.  

Sustainable structural and multifunctional bio-composites from hybrid natural fibres and bio-
based polymers. Project develops bio-based aircraft wings to address plastic pollution. Trees, 
crops and even organic waste can be transformed into a bewildering array of plastics to use in 
products ranging from single-use bags to heavy-duty aeroplane wings.  

https://www.ssuchy.eu/ 

7.  Bio-Based  Industries  Joint  Undertaking  –  CIRCULAR  BIOCARBON: 

Turning urban waste streams into added-value products 

The project will develop a first-of-its-kind flagship biorefinery to valorise the organic fraction 
of  municipal  solid  waste  into  four  value-added  products  and  a  range  of  other  intermediate 
products.  It  will  do  this  through  a  biorefinery,  organised  through  a  pool  of  cascading 
technologies.  This  will  treat  mixed  urban  waste  streams,  including  the  organic  fraction  of 
municipal solid waste and sewage sludge, in order to demonstrate that the process is capable 
of handling all the biowaste produced by a medium-sized city.  

https://circularbiocarbon.eu/  

8.  Interreg  North  Sea  Region  –  Project:  BEESPOKE:  Increasing  level  of 

pollinators on farm lands.  

The project is funded by the. The aim is to increase levels of pollinators and crop pollination 
at  local  and  landscape  scales  by  providing  land  managers  and  policy  makers  with  new 
to  create  more  sustainable  and  resilient 
expertise, 
agroecosystems. Pollination is an important ecosystem service, a key to more sustainable and 
resilient agroecosystems.  

tools  and  financial  knowledge 

https://northsearegion.eu/beespoke/ 

9.  European  Innovation  Partnership 

(EIP-AGRI)  –  OG  MUNTER: 

Integrating nature conservation, crop production and livestock farming. 

Project integrates objectives for water, soil and flood protection with broader objectives such 
as  climate  protection,  biodiversity  and  animal  welfare.  For  the  first  time,  farmers, 
municipalities, water managers, nature conservationists and authorities worked out new multi-
use concepts and implemented them together.  

https://munter.stoffstrom.org/ https://enrd.ec.europa.eu/projects-practice/green-future-munter-
germany_en 

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10. A  National  project  -  BioökonomieREVIER  Rheinland  –  Germany:  from 

traditional fossil based economy to sustainable bioeconomy.  

The project in which the conversion of the traditional fossil based economy into a sustainable 
bioeconomy is adapted to the local conditions and future prospects. The project is implemented 
in the Rhineland region, where structured phase-out of lignite mining is done to gain a new 
profile by expanding and establishing novel options for creating value. The projects aims at 
identity, secure jobs and prosperity in the area to achieve quality life. The area once reliant on 
lignite mining, is to be transformed into a bioeconomy region in order to create a lighthouse 
project for sustainable and circular bioeconomy for Germany, Europe, and the whole world.  

https://www.biooekonomierevier.de/  

11. New European Bauhaus Price finalist – TOCA Portugal 

TOCA Portugal: an innovative, interactive paper-based surface is NEB finalist on rising stars 
category.  The  product  is  a  paper-based  interactive  (and  ecological)  surface  that  can  take 
advantage of both worlds. People of all ages are able to write and draw on a common paper 
sheet, while all the content is wirelessly displayed at a computer and/or smartphone in real-
time. Artists can bring their paper drawings to live by adding sounds, colours, and motion on 
TOCA software, enabling unlimited art possibilities.  

https://prizes.new-european-bauhaus.eu/node/269429 

12. New European Bauhaus Prize finalist - Xifré’s Rooftop Spain: Introducing 

nature to cities “Floating” Wild Garden. 

It  combines  both  architecture  and  ecology  in  renovation  project.  Covering  an  early  19th-
century block of ten buildings, this contemporary roof garden creates a “floating” wild space 
that enhances urban biodiversity and opportunities for social interaction between neighbours. 
Furthermore, the rooftop elements of the historic building have been carefully restored. 

https://prizes.new-european-bauhaus.eu/node/267524 

13. European  Innovation  Council  Accelerator  Programme  -  WOODIO 

Finland: Bio-based toilet sinks and bathroom design.  

An eco-design and material technology company whose signature material is the world’s first 
100%  waterproof  solid  wood  composite  with  a  minimal  carbon  footprint.  The  company 
manufactures easy to clean, durable bathroom furniture to provide an alternative to CO2 high 
ceramic industry. Products are made of wood and resin based adhesives.  

https://woodio.fi/en/ 

14. European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF): FISH4FISH  

FISH4FISH:  The  EU-funded  FISH4FISH  project  closes  the  circle  between  waste  and 
consumption. FISH4FISH is developing a novel active polymeric material based on chitin from 
crustaceans combined with lignin waste for the fish packaging sector. Such packaging enhances 

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shelf-life and, once it is has been used, could be processed completely in a home composting 
system and used as fertilizer and microbial preservatives for plants. 

http://fish4fish.dbcf.unisi.it/   

15. European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF): BIOGEARS 

BIOGEARS: The EU-funded BIOGEARS project aims to develop innovative bio-based ropes 
for mussels and seaweed to contribute to a more sustainable aquaculture sector. The goal is to 
obtain a plastic that does not decompose at sea, but instead turns into compost, when it is no 
longer of use.  

https://biogears.eu/  

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