On the map

EUCYS 2024 bioeconomy winners, Jaša Krevh and Julija Skrt from Slovenia, awarded for their project on ‘Influence of Hydrolytic Enzymes on Antioxidant Efficiency of Olive Leaf Extracts.’ Their innovative work, praised by CBE JU’s Executive Director, highlights advancements in phenolic compound extraction.

The recently published evaluation report commissioned by the European Commission on the Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE JU) highlights the partnership’s pivotal role in advancing Europe’s green transition under the Horizon Europe framework. Completed in June 2024, the report assesses CBE JU activities since 2014 against multiple criteria, including relevance, efficiency, effectiveness, and EU-added value. The findings underscore CBE JU's significant contribution to Europe’s bio-based sector, positioning it as a cornerstone of the EU's sustainable industrial strategy.

The inauguration of the CBE JU-funded SWEETWOODS biorefinery in Imavere, Estonia, marks a significant stride in Europe’s journey towards sustainable innovation. By turning hardwood waste into high-value bio-based chemicals and materials, this new industrial facility stands as a symbol of the European Green Deal in action: public-private collaboration boosting European competitiveness via sustainable industrial development.

In the 24 May meeting, EU ministers responsible for internal market and industry called for a set of measures in support of competitive industries to drive innovation and economic growth in Europe. Advancing the bio-based economy, creating favourable conditions for the uptake of sustainable and circular products, strengthening public-private collaborations based on the success of joint undertakings and other partnerships, boosting the investments in key strategic sectors, as well as maintaining coherent and accessible regulatory framework were among key conclusions of the meeting.

The Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking (CBE JU) has selected 31 innovative projects to receive nearly €215.5 million in funding. These projects aim to advance competitive circular bio-based industries in Europe and develop sustainable products and solutions. The funding will support groundbreaking production facilities, demonstration-scale systems, and research initiatives. Additionally, four flagship projects will establish biorefineries for high-value products, contributing to Europe’s bio-based economy