European Commission - Speech [Check Against Delivery] Commissioner Roswall's speech at the Global Summit on 'Advancing Sustainable Forest-based Bioeconomy Approaches' Vienna, 23 February 2026 Ladies and gentlemen, I am delighted to join you in Vienna to discuss a vital question – how to build a thriving, resilient and sustainable forest-based bioeconomy. And I cannot think of a better place to talk about the potentia...
European Commission - Speech [Check Against Delivery] Commissioner Roswall's speech at the Global Summit on 'Advancing Sustainable Forest-based Bioeconomy Approaches' Vienna, 23 February 2026 Ladies and gentlemen, I am delighted to join you in Vienna to discuss a vital question – how to build a thriving, resilient and sustainable forest-based bioeconomy. And I cannot think of a better place to talk about the potential of our forests. As a strategic, homegrown resource for Europe. Austria is deeply rooted in Europe's forest heritage. The forests here are diverse, covering nearly half of the country, and supporting over 300,000 jobs. They are living, evolving systems that drive innovation, sustain nature and power society. Austria's forest-based bioeconomy is cutting edge – and it highlights the enormous opportunities for growth. Research projects are investigating the potential of timber-concrete composite construction. Innovative companies are converting forestry by-products into high-quality ingredients, biofuels and biomaterials. And businesses are producing biodegradable, compostable products and packaging from renewable raw materials. Of course, this is just a snapshot. All over the EU, there are multiple examples of where innovation meets the power of our forests. We need to translate that potential into concrete benefits for our companies, economies, and society. And this global summit is the perfect place to discuss that process. To share experiences and knowledge. And to learn from each other. The new EU Bioeconomy Strategy is based on the idea that circularity, sustainability, and innovation go hand in hand. In fact, they reinforce each other and in turn maximise the enormous potential for growth, decarbonisation and quality jobs. First, we want to translate innovation into impact. That means ensuring that bio-based breakthroughs reach citizens and benefit society. Forest-based innovation, and bio-based materials more generally, can contribute to construction, manufacturing, mobility, chemicals, textiles, packaging and more. While reduce our use of fossil fuel feedstock. We have to bring these innovations to market. SMEs will receive targeted support to scale, and EU funding will help bridge the gap from prototype to production. Our ambition is a regulatory environment which supports the development of biomaterials and bioproducts. Where European bio-innovation doesn't merely compete but sets the global standard. Second, we will back bio-based lead markets that deliver for both the planet and prosperity—including bio-based construction materials, textiles, and plastics. To accelerate change, we're launching the Bio-Based Europe Alliance—a 10 billion euro collective commitment by 2030 to scale up bio-solutions across industries. The third pillar is about sustainability. While boosting today's competitiveness, we need to build tomorrow's resilience. We need to manage our forests wisely – and that means we must support our foresters and farmers to do what they do best: manage their land not just for today, but also for future generations. We have to reward those who protect our forests and soils and enhance carbon sinks with new market tools like Nature Credits and an EU Buyers' Club for carbon. And fourth, we will strengthen global partnerships – like we are doing today. This is the surest way to secure resilient supply chains and reduce our exposure to vulnerabilities in global value chains. So my message to you is this: let's work together. Because Europe is not alone in promoting a sustainable and bio based economy. Over 50 countries have adopted Bioeconomy economy strategies. And through our trade agreements, partnerships, and initiatives like the Global Gateway, we want to support the growth of bio based innovation across the world. Ladies and gentlemen, A resilient forest-based bioeconomy depends on soil quality, a stable water cycle, and genetic diversity. That's why our work on the bioeconomy is closely aligned with our broader environmental and economic frameworks. For example – we need to increase circularity across bio-based value chains. This means recovering and recycling valuable raw materials, including agricultural, forest and industrial residues and side streams. Our upcoming Circular Economy Act aims to accelerate this transformation. For example, it seeks to eliminate market fragmentation – which we often hear is a key barrier to the development of a circular bioeconomy. Water scarcity, which is spreading across the works — also here in Europe — damages a forest's health, resilience and productivity. On the other hand, healthy forests help to purify and store water. So, protecting forests means protecting water – and vice versa. Our Water Resilience Strategy aims to restore and safeguard the water cycle – and build a water smart economy in Europe. It also seeks to reduce demand, promote reuse, and increase efficiency by 10% by 20230. Preserving and strengthening the ecosystem functions of our forests is another important part of this bigger picture. Here in the EU, The Nature Restoration Regulation provides a framework for this. It sets clear targets —but gives Member States flexibility to act where it matters most. For forests, this means restoring nature in a way that can support sustainable management, climate adaptation, and high-value bioeconomy products. Forest owners and industry play a crucial role. Because Restoration isn't just an environmental necessity—it's an economic opportunity: cutting disturbance risks, boosting carbon storage, and strengthening value chains. With 35% of the next EU budget earmarked for climate and environment, plus private investment and nature credits, we can turn ambition into concrete action. Ladies and Gentlemen, Our forests are full of untapped potential: sustainable solutions, innovation, and a route to greater competitiveness. Maximising that potential means managing forests wisely. My goal is to grow the sector, but also to ensure its long-term viability. But our success depends on collaboration. Policymakers, businesses, foresters, scientists and civil society must work together – and events like this one are an important part of this journey. I assure you that we are ready to play our part. And together, we can deliver more quality jobs. A competitive, sustainable forest-based bioeconomy. And a resilient, prosperous Europe. SPEECH/26/451
Speech Brief