EU FUNDING FOR BIOECONOMY TRANSITION: PERCEPTION OF FOREST ACTORS

The bioeconomy strategy has been established in several countries and regions; however, specific economic and legal instruments are required to encourage the production and consumption of products and services derived from the bioeconomy and thus stimulate the proposed economic transition. According to studies on bioeconomy, it was identified that investment in relevant sectors is currently the main bottleneck that hinders the shift toward a sustainable bioeconomy. In addition, bioeconomy projects face problems accessing private capital, especially in the transition stage between pilot and demonstration plants. This study aims to conduct a comprehensive review of the financing programs offered within the European Union (EU) and assess the perception of these programs among forest stakeholders. Specifically, the focus is placed on evaluating aspects such as program accessibility, resource monitoring, and utilization, as well as the overall effectiveness of funding in facilitating forest bioeconomy initiatives to enhance forest-based products. The results suggest that financing actions supported in the framework of EU policies such as the bioeconomy and the circular economy, will help achieve the EU's political objectives. However, implementing the financing mechanisms depends on each Member State's will according to the planned sectoral objectives. Additionally, changes in forest policy instruments may affect property rights. It will require adequate transition periods to encourage forest owners to adapt and generate conditions for sustainable forest use in the long term and synergies with various stakeholders to implement effective bioeconomy initiatives over time.