The EESC calls on the EU to lead with a sustainable bioeconomy model aligned with the European Green Deal and climate goals.

In its opinion on Aligning the circular economy and the bioeconomy, the EESC outlines how a robust bioeconomy can boost Europe's economic and ecological benefits, strengthen resilience, and support a fair transition. Strategic investments in cross-sector collaboration and community engagement can position the EU's bioeconomy as a global model for sustainable growth.

A sustainable bioeconomy must align with EU frameworks like the Green Deal, circular economy, and biodiversity goals. This ensures that bioeconomy activities contribute to climate and biodiversity targets while remaining within planetary boundaries.

'A comprehensive, ambitious bioeconomy strategy is essential. Aligning with the circular economy and sustainable development goals, the bioeconomy can foster a competitive edge for the EU by creating sustainable, well-paid jobs and ensuring growth that respects ecological limits,' said Cillian Lohan, rapporteur for the opinion.

The bioeconomy can build on circular economy principles, reducing waste and improving efficiency through resource cascading and biological material recirculation. It offers social benefits, particularly in rural areas, by creating jobs and skill-building opportunities. Supporting rural communities and youth engagement in this sector is crucial.

Bioeconomy education can help build a skilled workforce and raise sustainability awareness. It also contributes to better public health by reducing healthcare costs. Key to this effort are advancements in technology and sustainable land use, such as regenerative farming and forestry, which boost carbon storage and biodiversity.

Urban farming and circular food hubs can reduce food waste and strengthen local food systems. The EU should uphold high standards in business and innovation, encouraging early adoption of bio-based technologies. Funding should prioritise innovative leaders and support small and medium enterprises.

To integrate the bioeconomy into EU policies, a clear definition is needed. Updating the Bioeconomy Strategy by 2025 should align with the Green Deal and the Paris Agreement, providing a roadmap for a sustainable, resilient bio-based economy. (ks) 

By Stefano Mallia, President of the Employers' Group

Donald Trump has won the US elections and will become President for the second time. The vote is clear and must be treated with respect. But what now?

The EU and US remain key geopolitical and trading partners as our relationship is grounded in the principle of reciprocity. There is no room for isolationism or protectionism in today’s interconnected world, as such approaches undermine our mutual and global cooperation and economic prosperity.

The EU and the US are each other’s largest trading partners. EU-US bilateral trade is at a historical high, with over EUR 1.6 trillion in 2023 and with bilateral investment stocks topping EUR 5 trillion. The US is a major source of foreign direct investment (FDI) in the EU, with US FDI in Europe estimated at around USD 3.6 trillion, while EU investment in the US is approximately USD 3 trillion. This mutual investment strengthens economic interdependence and creates millions of jobs on both sides of the Atlantic.

For this reason, it is important to continue working on our relationship. The imposition of tariffs on EU goods, as Trump has previously suggested, implementing tariffs of 10% to 20% on imports from all countries, including the EU, is a dead-end street. This is why we are calling for a more open dialogue and a forward-looking agenda for cooperation.

The EU-US Trade and Technology Council (TTC) has facilitated dialogue on critical issues such as artificial intelligence and semiconductors. If on the one hand the dialogue must be strengthened and upgraded, on the other the EU must speed up its policy reforms, get its act together and look for the best way to find ways to cooperate with the US.

We must also prepare for the scenario in which, on important matters such as climate change and Ukraine, we may have to go it alone. This is a very real possibility and, as such, we should begin treating it as the de facto new reality.

The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) is hosting Powerful Encounters: Picturing an end to energy poverty, a compelling photo exhibition showcasing the work of photographer Miriam Strong. Organised in partnership with Friends of the Earth Europe, the exhibition highlights the activism, collectivism and empowerment of communities across Europe who are facing energy poverty. Organised on the initiative of the EESC's Civil Society Organisations' Group, the exhibition will be on display at the EESC's JDE building in Brussels, at Rue Belliard 99-101, from 4 to 16 December.

At the opening event, EESC Vice-president for Communication Aurel Laurenţiu Plosceanu and the president of the EESC's Civil Society Organisations' Group Séamus Boland emphasised the EESC's commitment to eradicating poverty, promoting affordable energy, fostering systemic change and meeting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

In his address, Mr Boland discussed the rising cost of living and increasing poverty levels in Europe, stressing the need for a strong political response from the new European Commission and European Parliament. 'The first-ever EU Anti-Poverty Strategy and the Clean Industrial Deal, announced by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in her political guidelines for the new European Commission, must provide sustainable solutions to the realities on the ground', Mr Boland said.

Energy Justice Campaigner Laia Segura and Friends of the Earth Communications Officer Yvonne Lemmen underscored that this photo project explores how people confront energy poverty and fight for their right to decent, climate-resilient homes powered by affordable, clean energy. For more information, click here.