In Europe, the forest-based sector and labor unions are uniting for a fair transition towards a vibrant and growing bioeconomy. Through the Circular Choices coalition, they call for a policy framework that captures investments in quality jobs and “Made in Europe” manufacturing.

The European forestry and forest-based bioeconomy sector, gathered within the Circular Choices Coalition, represents 3% of EU GDP and one in five manufacturing companies in the EU.

The transition to a circular economy in the EU must prioritize competitiveness, fairness and inclusivity, aiming to sustain and generate quality jobs while fostering innovation through the development of new and existing bio-based products. These are the conclusion of discussions held by social partners and stakeholders gathered recently in Brussels, including Member of the European Parliament Inese Vaidere and Sven Matzke, acting Head of Unit for social dialogue at the European Commission.

A Clean Industrial Deal and the expected sustainable and affordable housing initiative should contribute to overcoming the challenges the industry faces in making this green transition happen while increasing investment in social, public, energy-efficient and sustainable living spaces.

The associations co-signing the joint statement acknowledge that such new industrial framework aims to help alleviate the industry’s burden, but in order to support the industry’s contribution to the Green Deal, the practical implementation of the Clean Industrial Deal and revitalising the construction sector will ensure that Europe becomes competitive again by fostering innovation and investment in future green technologies, products and solutions, and by promoting social progress and just transition, while ensuring good quality jobs.

To ensure good quality industrial jobs across Europe, the co-signatories call to policymakers for:

• Training and job-to-job transition.
• Identify, assess, and prepare for the impacts of the industrial transition.
• Guarantee high quality jobs throughout the industrial transition.
• Build, rebuild and strengthen social dialogue and collective bargaining structures at all levels across Europe.
• Increase investments on Research and Development (R&D) and access to finance for decarbonisation.

Jori Ringman, Cepi director general, states, “Our industries are not trying to create new societal needs, but rather to satisfy existing ones in a way that works for our planet. This transition will not happen without workers. We must ensure that the new jobs being created are quality jobs, following the values of the European social model.”




Quote by Jori Ringman, Cepi Director General

“Our industries are not trying to create new societal needs, but rather to satisfy existing ones in a way that works for our planet. This transition will not happen without workers. We must ensure that the new jobs being created are quality jobs, following the values of the European social model.”