Regional Workshop on Sustainable Biofuels Production and Use in Central and Eastern Europe

Background

Biofuels are a viable alternative to meet part of the world's growing energy demand. Several countries in Central and Eastern Europe attempt to increase the share of biofuels and bioenergy in the total energy mix, thereby reducing the dependence on imported fossil fuels. These measures are considered as a way forward to help revitalizing the economy and boosting rural development. At the same time, potential negative impacts on the biodiversity, food security and social economical issues in the region need to be avoided. The workshop hence provided an opportunity to review the status of biofuels production and use, sharing experiences and highlighting concerns.

Objectives

This workshop aimed at promoting the sustainable production and use of biofuels in Central and Eastern Europe, capturing the environmental and economic benefits and avoiding environmental and social impacts. The event provided a forum for multi-sector stakeholders to share knowledge, highlight concerns and assess models adopted by producing countries as well as key success factors or failures. In addition, a possible way forward for the region was discussed. Topics addressed included the production and use of biofuels, biofuels related issues in Central and Eastern European countries, regional and international trends, industrial and technological developments as well as experiences and lessons learned.

Participants

Numerous national stakeholders from the agricultural, environmental, industrial, health, institutional and regulatory sector attended the workshop. It also provided a forum for representatives from R&D, oil and gas refineries and distribution chains, financial institutions, development banks and multilateral development organizations to discuss with national representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Environment and the Chamber of Commerce.