The Industry, Research and Energy Committee has adopted a non-binding report highlighting the strategic significance of the biotechnology and biomanufacturing sectors for Europe’s future competitiveness and sustainability, passing with 53 votes in favour, 11 against, and six abstentions. The full House will vote on this report during the plenary session in Strasbourg (7-10 July).
The report emphasises the critical role of these sectors in driving innovation and economic growth, advocating for a robust policy framework to encourage commercialisation and attract investment. It recognises the EU biotechnology and biomanufacturing sector as vital to Europe’s competitiveness, characterised by high productivity and global solutions in healthcare and sustainable production.
“With the adoption of this initiative report in the ITRE committee, we are setting the stage for a European growth strategy on biotechnology and biomanufacturing. We call for a broad and ambitious approach – with coherent, lean, and internationally compatible regulation, shorter authorisation procedures, and a strong commitment to innovation and competitiveness. Europe must not just follow in biotech – we must lead” said rapporteur Hildegard Bentele (EPP, Germany).
MEPs call for streamlined initiatives and legislative coherence in the upcoming EU Biotech Act to facilitate efficient commercialisation. They also recommend simplifying authorisation procedures for biotechnology products and exploring streamlined processes for products approved by trusted regulatory bodies.
The report stresses the need for a competitive intellectual property framework and strong biosecurity safeguards. MEPs advocate for responsible access to synthetic biology tools and greater risk monitoring alongside a unified approach to enhance transparency and protect critical biotech infrastructure.
Additionally, an updated bioeconomy strategy is recommended to promote sustainable bio-based materials, and MEPs express concern over the European Investment Bank’s sustainability criteria, which may hinder funding for bio-based projects. They call for clear sustainability criteria for biomass and emphasise the need to complete the capital markets union to attract institutional investment.
The Commission is expected to present strategic initiatives, including the EU Biotech Act and an updated Bioeconomy Strategy, to address these critical challenges.