Record engagement at the 2026 edition of the European High-Level Conference on Biosolutions

With the Biotech Act I currently in the trialogues and the Biotech Act II in the preparatory phase, this year’s High-Level Conference insisted on the need to consider biosolutions as central tools for strenghtening Europe's strategic autonomy and resilience.

This year's programme had speeches, three panel debates, as well as an exhibition showcasing seventeen biosolution companies and their scalable products.

Opening Keynote Speech by James Morrison, Director of DG RTD's Directorate B for Healthy Planet, European Commission

James Morrison delivered an enganging speech, highlighting that biosolutions are a strategic priority for the current Commission, laying at the interception of competitiveness, resilience, circularity and economic security. Regarding the Biotech Act II, while it's scope is currently being discussed, stakeholder inputs remain absolutely crucial to inform this work.

Insightful Panel Debate with Members of the European Parliament 

The debate delivered insightful discussions about how to accelerate Europe’s resilience through biosolutions and why it is needed. 

Morten Løkkegaard (DK, Renew Europe) urged a proactive approach in securing financing for biosolutions. In his words, "This is just the beginning of an adventure (...) We need speed, market, and money. We need capital to scale.” 

Wouter Beke (BE, EPP) described the Biotech Act I as an offensive proposal, rather than a defensive one, recognizing the strategic importance of the sector and enabling it to scale and thrive on European soil. He further highlighted that biosolutions are important for resilience, independenc and, in particular, food security. 

As Anna Strolenberg (NL, Greens/EFA) put it: "I experience that there is an irrational fear of novel foods, that blocks innovation," highlighting the need for novel food to be included in the Biotech Act II. "You cannot pick and choose between biosolutions. Biosolutions are the future."

We thank all participants, our partner organizations, and members of staff for contributing to the success of this year's Conference.

We now look forward to continue the dialogue and cooperation in order to advance the biosolutions agenda for a resilient, sustainable, and competitive European Union.

Position paper on the Biotech Act II

On the occasion of the Conference, the European Biosolutions Coalition also published a new position paper regarding the much-anticipated Biotech Act II. You can find the publication via this link.