On November 27, the European Commission presented a new strategic framework intended to give the European bioeconomy a significant boost. The plan focuses on the large-scale replacement of fossil fuels with biological alternatives and the creation of a competitive and resilient European industry. The bioeconomy is already an economic engine; the sector…
The government will finalize its top sectors policy on January 1, 2026, and will opt for an industrial policy emphasizing six markets where the Netherlands can win globally. These include semiconductors, biotechnology, defense-related applications including 6G, radar, laser satellite communication, and quantum technologies, digital services with an emphasis on AI, mechanical engineering, and innovative chemistry. For the remaining business sector,...
The new House of Representatives is, at least on paper, ready to move forward with the energy transition. Analysis by the Dutch Sustainable Energy Association (NVDE) shows that at least two-thirds of the newly elected members want to maintain existing climate and energy goals. A significant portion even wants to go further and…
In early September, the European Commission once again explained why the bioeconomy is central to Europe's green and competitive future. In a short news item, the Directorate-General for Environment (DG-ENV) outlined the core in five points, emphasizing economic size, job potential, the innovation agenda, and its contribution to strategic autonomy. This news fits in…
The 2026 National Budget for Climate and Green Growth outlines how the government and funds intend to use bio-based raw materials and biomass. Biobased construction will be subject to standards and incentives, carbon removal will be included in an official certification framework, and a route for cleaner agricultural machinery with electrification or biogas will be established. All of this is linked to the broader deployment of…
Entrepreneurs who invest in sustainable energy will also have the opportunity to apply for a subsidy in 2026 via the SDE++ scheme. The Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) has announced that the round will be reopened, with a budget of approximately eight billion euros. The goal remains the same: reducing greenhouse gas emissions and the energy transition…
Woody biomass from sustainably managed forests now complies with the latest EU directive Biomass from sustainably managed forests can now demonstrably comply with the latest European sustainability requirements. Certification organisation PEFC has adapted its standards to the revised Renewable Energy Directive (RED III). This makes it possible for wood suppliers and buyers of biomass to obtain a PEFC certificate for…
On 11 April 2025, the government presented its vision to make the Netherlands a global leader in biotechnological innovation and application by 2040. With targeted investments, low-regulation testbeds and a focus on social applications, the government wants to use biotechnology as a key technology for health, sustainability and economic growth. Biotechnology offers solutions for urgent social…
The European Bioeconomy Alliance (EUBA) launched its new video on 12 February 2025, highlighting the crucial role of the bioeconomy in the transition to a climate-neutral, circular and resilient Europe. EUBA represents key sectors within the bioeconomy, including agriculture, forestry, biotechnology, sugar, starch, vegetable oils, pulp and paper, bioplastics, renewable ethanol and…
At the Global Forum for Food and Agriculture (GFFA) in Berlin, agriculture ministers from more than 70 countries unanimously expressed their support for a sustainable bioeconomy. Led by German Agriculture Minister Cem Özdemir, the ministers expressed their ambition to strengthen the contribution of the bioeconomy to global food security, to preserve biodiversity and…
