To ensure the effective implementation of a bioeconomy strategy, it is imperative to phase out existing policy measures that incentivize the burning of wood for energy. At present, over 50% of harvested wood is allocated to energy production, a use that directly undermines the cascading use principle and runs counter to the objectives of a circular and resource-efficient economy. In addition, the continued export of high-value raw materials and logs to subsidized international buyers poses a serious threat to the development of a resilient European bioeconomy. This practice leads to a tremendous loss of potential high-level jobs and resources for Europes value-adding industries, significantly limiting opportunities for domestic value creation and innovation in high-value timber products. https://oec.world/en/profile/hs/rough-wood