2. The bioeconomy at European level

In Europe, the bio-economy sector has already achieved a very high value while also stimulating the creation of numerous jobs. Above all, the European food sector has seen numerous changes and is still booming today.

The ‘European Bioeconomy Strategy’, currently under review, will unlock the potential of available biological resources in the various sectors of the bioeconomy in a sustainable and socially responsible manner.

^{Figure 3. Europe and Bioeconomy}

The package of regulations and directives is based on a broad programme of concrete actions and measures that will contribute to the so-called life cycle of products, i.e. an increased focus on recycling and reuse of products, which in turn will contribute to benefits for both the environment and the economy.

A particular focus is on the Mediterranean area, which always sees a high level of water stress characterising climate change having a major impact on agriculture.

Figura 4. Il sistema bioeconomico

This phenomenon also leads to social and economic stress, which in turn gives rise to geopolitical instability, creating migratory phenomena, both internally, from rural to urban areas, and externally, particularly towards Europe. 

To try to solve these problems, two important initiatives have been created at European level: 

Moreover, the recent pandemic caused by COVID-19 has made even more evident the need to rethink the economic development model in a logic of greater attention to sustainability and respect for the environment.