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Proposal could build on existing EU-funded agriculture, aquaculture and forestry initiative
The EU has drawn up outline plans for its proposed central and eastern European research and innovation partnership on the circular bioeconomy—the sustainable use and reuse of biological materials for economic activities.
Draft conclusions intended for adoption by the Council of the EU member state governments, published on 5 July, say that there is a need to boost R&I cooperation among the CEE countries and that circular bioeconomy initiatives could help the EU meet its environmental targets, while boosting its competitiveness.
Furthermore, challenges relating to biotechnology and biomanufacturing are complex and cross borders, which calls for a regional approach to tackle them, according to the conclusions. They underline the importance of “aligning policies and regulations related to the bioeconomy at EU level” to “create a conducive environment for investment, innovation and sustainable development in the sector”.
An “institutionalised” R&I partnership on the bioeconomy could enhance science diplomacy, foster relationships and help prevent skilled people from leaving the countries involved, they add.
Build on Bioeast
The conclusions say that an existing EU-funded R&I initiative called Bioeast, focused on agriculture, aquaculture and forestry in the CEE countries, could form the basis of the partnership, which could expand geographically, including beyond the CEE countries.
The goal would be “an open, Europe-wide but geographically focused R&I partnership on advancing sustainable natural resource management, food system security and the deployment of the bioeconomy”, reminiscent of the existing Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area.
The draft conclusions ask the European Commission to assess the feasibility of such a partnership being launched, potentially in the 2028-34 EU funding period. They are set to be discussed by national representatives on 18 July.