The Partnering for the Future” high-level conference on Central and Eastern European research and innovation priorities in the context of sustainable soil and freshwater resilience, food systems security, and bioeconomy-related policies was celebrated on 4-6 December 2024 in Budapest, Hungary.
The high-level conference “BIOEAST and Beyond: Partnering for the Future,” organized by the Hungarian presidency of the Council of the European Union with key partners. This event gathered over 350 stakeholders—including ministers, policymakers, researchers, and private sector leaders—to focus on Central and Eastern European (CEE) research and innovation priorities in sustainable soil and water resilience, food systems security, and the bioeconomy.
This conference marked a significant achievement in the Hungarian presidency's focus on agricultural and research priorities. It followed a policy forum and workshops sparked by a political declaration signed by 22 ministers from 10 EU member states and one neighboring country. The 27 EU member states adopted Council Conclusions regarding a potential Europe-wide research and innovation initiative aimed at improving sustainable natural resource management, food systems security, and the advancement of the bioeconomy, representing a noteworthy advancement.
Additionally, the conference emphasized the crucial role and effectiveness of Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation Systems (AKIS) and the contributions of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) in its development. The conference aimed to foster detailed discussions on research priorities that are particularly relevant to the region, including soil health, freshwater resilience, food systems security, and localized biomanufacturing. These key areas were recognized as essential for improving the production and use of local biomass in Central and Eastern Europe, the Western Balkans, and other countries seeking EU accession.
The discussions also highlighted the region’s vital contribution to addressing European challenges, such as achieving Strategic Autonomy, enhancing sustainability, and building resilience.
To find out more about the conference and its material, visit: https://bioeast.eu/knowledge-platform/bioeast-and-beyond-partnering-for-the-future/
Images were taken from the BIOEAST Initiative website.
