What political frameworks are necessary for the future bioeconomy in Europe to be both socially just and ecologically sustainable? The conference, organized by denkhausbremen and featuring high-profile guests, aimed to provide answers to this question. Around 40 participants from nine different European countries gathered for a three-day retreat in Lychen, near Berlin. Representatives from the European Commission, the German government, academia, and civil society engaged in panel discussions following numerous keynote presentations. An artistic program provided a creative backdrop, rounding off the successful event.

A key point emphasized throughout the conference was the limited availability of bio-based resources, given that ecosystems are already under strain and suffer damage from current biomass uses. Additionally, the potential danger was highlighted that the so-called Global South might primarily become a supplier of raw materials for a European bioeconomy. Ultimately, however, participants agreed that the bioeconomy could be part of the solution – provided the right political frameworks are in place.

The discussions were able to tie into current political processes, as the EU is currently revising its bioeconomy strategy, planning to publish an update by the end of next year.
This conference was organized within the project “Strengthening the Role of Civil Society in the Implementation of Bioeconomy Strategies in Europe,” which denkhausbremen is implementing together with its partner organisations FERN (Brussels) and ELF (Estonia). You can find the agenda of the conference here.