World Bioeconomy Association ry
WBA
World Bioeconomy Association edistää kestävää, tasapainoista ja globaalia biotaloutta.
ID: 087048499047-80
Lobbying Activity
Response to Towards a Circular, Regenerative and Competitive Bioeconomy
20 Jun 2025
Submission to the EU Consultation on Towards a Circular, Regenerative and Competitive Bioeconomy The World Bioeconomy Association welcomes the Commissions initiative to update the Bioeconomy Strategy and strongly supports its ambition to reinforce the EUs global leadership in advancing a sustainable and innovation-driven bioeconomy. We offer the following recommendations, grounded in international dialogue, G20 principles, and practical experience: 1. Industrial bioeconomy: Prioritise innovation and investment within a unified bioeconomy framework The EU must accelerate research and development in biotechnology, synthetic biology, and molecular engineering. A strong industrial bioeconomy depends on long-term investment embedded in a coherent EU Framework Programme, such as Horizon Europe. This development must take place within a holistic bioeconomy framework, where industrial applications, biopharma, nutrition, and ecological sustainability are treated as interconnected components. As promoted by the World Bioeconomy Association, the bioeconomy should be built upon three complementary visions: Bioresource vision focusing on the sustainable and efficient use of biomass, Biotechnology vision scaling bio-based innovations through advanced technologies, Bioecology vision ensuring regeneration, biodiversity, and ecological balance. This integrated perspective is essential for unlocking the full potential of the bioeconomy and positioning the EU as a global leader in sustainable, bio-based transformation. 2. Strategic autonomy in genomics and infrastructure The EU relies on external sequencing and bioinformatics infrastructure. To ensure sovereignty, we urge a European Genomic Infrastructure Initiative to build capacity for metagenomics and next-generation bio-manufacturing. 3. Global partnerships and standards The bioeconomy is global. Europe should lead via collaboration, aligned with the G20 High-Level Principles. Priority actions: harmonised bioproduct standards, carbon intensity metrics, and carbon accounting to support CBAM and green trade. Global models for carbon valuation must converge. 4. Implementation and scale-up Startups and SMEs face regulatory and financial hurdles. We recommend: Investment de-risking tools for biorefineries and bio-based manufacturing. Harmonised regulations across member states. Skills programmes to grow the bioeconomy workforce. 5. Integrate the bioeconomy into sustainable finance The bioeconomy is underrepresented in sustainable finance. The EU should: Recognise bio-based substitution in carbon markets, including under Article 6. Include bioeconomy in CBAM, procurement, and trade instruments. Align EU Taxonomy and funding tools with Nature-Intensive and Advanced Bioeconomy sectors. 6. Empower primary producers Farmers, foresters, and fishers are vital to the bioeconomy. Incentives should reward cascading biomass use, biodiversity-positive practices, and regional innovation. 7. Sustainable bioresource use Ensure efficient and circular biomass use. The EU must establish robust governance and transparent, science-based data on biomass availability to inform planning, sustainability, and investment. 8. Phase out fossil fuel subsidies Fossil fuel subsidies distort markets and delay climate progress. According to the IEA, global fossil subsidies exceeded $1 trillion in 2022. The EU should phase them out and redirect funds to renewable and bio-based innovation. 9. Conclusion The revised strategy must embed the bioeconomy in Europes industrial, climate, and finance policies - backed by global cooperation and sound data. WBA stands ready to support implementation of a circular, regenerative, and globally connected bioeconomy
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