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Bioeconomy

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Contribution of the bioeconomy to jobs and growth in the EU.

In 2022, the biomass producing and converting sectors of the EU economy generated up to EUR 812 billion in value added in the European Union (5.0% of the EU GDP), growing by 12% in nominal terms compared to 2021.
17.2 million jobs were created, accounting for 8.0% of total EU employment. While the number of jobs is similar to that of 2021, some bio-based manufacturing activities, such as bio-based chemicals, pharmaceuticals, plastics and rubber or the manufacture of wood products, did show an increase in the number of persons employed.
The structure of the EU bioeconomy varies across Member States. Generally, Eastern and Southern European countries have higher shares of bio-based sectors over GDP and total employment, due to their specialisation in primary sectors.

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Brief on jobs and growth in the EU bioeconomy 2012-2021

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Access the stakeholder platform that promotes collaboration among industry leaders, public authorities, and other key stakeholders.

View 2021 data on employment and value added for the European bioeconomy in an infographic.

This database quantifies employment, value added and turnover in the bioeconomy and in bioeconomy sectors.

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PUBLICATION | 20 May 2025