Bioeconomy Strategy Development in EU Regions – The case of Region of Central Macedonia, Greece

In a recent report of the European Commission aiming to map and analyze the development of strategies related to the bioeconomy at the regional level in the EU-27 (Bioeconomy strategy development in EU regions), the Region of Central Macedonia is ranked in the 1st position amongst the 13 Greek regions regarding the number of Action Plans that focus on the promotion of bioeconomy. Specifically, according to the report, although bioeconomy is embedded as a priority in several strategic documents (e.g. Long Term Strategy 2050, National Strategy for the Circular Economy, New Action Plan on Circular Economy, National Waste Management Plan 2020-2030), Greece does not have a dedicated bioeconomy strategy at the national level.

 At the regional level, most regions mention circular economy/bioeconomy as an important element (e.g. Attica, Epirus, Thessaly) but with no specific plan or strategy at present. Only 2 of the 13 Greek regions have published Action Plans for the promotion of circular economy/bioeconomy (2 Action Plans for the Region of Central Macedonia and 1 Action Plan for the Region of Crete). The report states that Interreg programmes have played a crucial role in embedding circular economy/bioeconomy into Regional Action Plans. Region of Central Macedonia has published 2 Action Plans for the promotion of circular economy/bioeconomy in the framework of two Interreg projects, BIOREGIO and CESME.

The Regional Development Fund of Central Macedonia, on behalf of the Region of Central Macedonia, participates as a partner in BIOREGIO and CESME projects, co-financed by the Interregional Cooperation Programme ‘Interreg Europe 2014-2020’.