The European Investment Bank (EIB) has published a new sector report revealing a significant investment gap in the EU bioeconomy — estimated at €121.8 billion per year.
Globally, the shortfall exceeds $777 billion annually, underscoring the urgent need for targeted financing to meet sustainability goals.
The report identifies nine key subsectors where investment is most needed with agriculture representing the largest gap (€62.3 billion), followed by resource protection (€18.7 billion), irrigation for agriculture (€11.5 billion), bioenergy (€8.7 billion to €9.4 billion), agrifood industries (€5.5 billion), fisheries and aquaculture (€3.3 billion to €10.4 billion), forestry (€4.2 billion), bio-based industries (€2.07 billion to €3.35 billion), and R&D in agriculture (€1 billion).
While the EIB is already investing around €7 billion annually in the bioeconomy, the report calls for stronger public investment and innovative financing tools to bridge the gap. It also offers a roadmap for action and showcases successful initiatives that demonstrate the power of collaboration between public institutions, private investors, and EU Member States.