On 13–14 May 2025, BioRural proudly co-organised the European Rural Circular Bioeconomy Conference (EuRCBC), held at Comet Louise in Brussels, together with five fellow EU-funded projects: SCALE-UP, ROBIN, MainstreamBIO, RuralBioUp, and Biomodel4Regions. All six initiatives are members of the Rural Bioeconomy Alliance (RBA)—a cluster of EU-funded projects dedicated to accelerating and supporting the development of bioeconomy initiatives in the EU. The EuRCBC proudly marked the official launch of this coalition, strengthening ties among projects and fostering greater impact across Europe’s rural regions.
The two-day event brought together a vibrant community of stakeholders from local communities, research, policymaking, and industry, all focused on boosting the sustainability and resilience of rural areas through circular bioeconomy strategies.
Highlights of Day 1
Day 1 highlighted key project results, good practices, and impactful tools. Representing BioRural, our Coordinator Thanos Balafoutis from the Centre for Research & Technology Hellas (CERTH) delivered a comprehensive presentation of the project’s vision and actions. A particular highlight was the presentation of the BioRural Toolkit – an accessible, practical platform designed to help rural communities unlock bioeconomy potential and drive local innovation.
To make the day even more engaging, a live note-taker was present throughout the sessions, capturing the presentations and discussions in a colourful, illustrated summary. This visual storytelling added a unique and memorable layer to the conference experience, offering a snapshot of the day’s most meaningful insights.
Day 2 offered a dynamic programme of interactive policy sessions, hands-on workshops, train-the-trainer activities, and a dedicated marketplace. These formats provided an opportunity for participants to explore cutting-edge developments, connect with peers, and form new collaborations. BioRural actively contributed to a high-level policy session focused on aligning the EU Bioeconomy Strategy with other sustainability frameworks, including climate action, biodiversity, and food systems. The discussion emphasised the need for coherent, inclusive policies tailored to rural realities.
As a co-organiser and founding member of the Rural Bioeconomy Alliance, BioRural played an essential role in shaping the content, tone, and ambitions of the EuRCBC. More than just a conference, it marked a milestone in collective efforts to empower rural Europe through innovation, collaboration, and sustainable transformation.
With strong partnerships, dedicated tools like the BioRural Toolkit, and a united voice through the RBA, we are more committed than ever to driving forward a greener, more circular rural future!
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