Ladies and gentlemen
Thank you for inviting me and for bringing together different perspectives here today.
Todays event, Building a better bioeconomy, aims to do just that. We plan to finalize a Bioeconomy Strategy by the end of the year and I aim to gather input from a wide range of stakeholders.
Forests are a strategic resource and a vital asset for the EUs bioeconomy.
As a Swede, forests hold a special place in my heart. They are like time: you can never have enough. We need healthy and resilient forests, not just in quantity.
40% of the EUs land is forested. Lets take a moment to appreciate the services our forests provide.
From carbon storage, water purification, flood mitigation, and oxygen production to timber, food, medicine, energy, and bio-based innovations, the services are extensive. Not to mention their cultural and tourism value!
Demand for forest products is rising, especially as we shift towards a carbon-neutral economy.
For example, using wood instead of concrete can cut a buildings carbon footprint by 10-20%.
Ive seen car interiors that look like plastic or leather but are made entirely from bio-based materials.
This illustrates the exciting potential of the bioeconomy!
However, since our forests are crucial for well-being and the economy, we must care for them. Healthy, diverse, and resilient forests are essential. Investing in biodiversity is beneficial for all.
Despite their potential, forestry incomes can be unpredictable, affected by wildfires and pests. Rural areas often miss out on public investment.
By the years end, I will unveil a new EU bioeconomy strategy to harness this sectors potential.
The bioeconomy is central to addressing Europes challenges.
We must enhance competitiveness and resilience in uncertain times.
Transitioning to more bio-based materials and circularity is key to achieving this.
Supporting innovators and entrepreneurs to scale their breakthroughs is vital. The EU is strong in innovation, but we need to improve in turning ideas into successful businesses.
Increasing demand for circular biological resources is another goal.
After a recent meeting in Nice, we discussed reducing plastics in favor of bio-based products, emphasizing sustainability.
We’re also focusing on the supply side, reinforcing primary producers roles to create jobs and diversify incomes for farmers and foresters.
We aim to reward ecosystem preservation, which ties into our upcoming nature credits initiative.
This Strategy will position the EU as a leader in the expanding global market for bio-based materials, biomanufacturing, biochemicals, the blue bioeconomy, and agri-food sectors.
This is an ambitious agenda, and we want to develop it through constructive dialogue with stakeholders, industry leaders, and businesses.
It’s about how Europe can better utilize its biological resources while aligning with our goals in the Competitiveness Compass and the Clean Industrial Deal, as well as our biodiversity commitments.
As we work towards making this Strategy a reality, I want to engage in open discussions with all stakeholders, including local communities. I want to hear your experiences, challenges, and ideas on building thriving local value chains.
I look forward to your contributions today and during the public consultation running until June 23.
Let’s collaborate to empower European foresters and farmers as guardians of our biodiversity while benefiting from the growth potential of the European bioeconomy!