BIOMASS AS THE PRIMARY RAW MATERIAL OF BIOECONOMY IN THE EUROPEAN UNION

The aim of this study was to investigate the biomass production and utilization in the European Union as a basis of the growing sector of bioeconomy. It is argued that the undergoing changes in the development of bioeconomy sector places on the first place the biomass as a basic input for all production processes that lead to satisfying private and public needs. In the European Union the biomass that comes from different, not only agricultural, sources is considered as a strategic resource ensuring sustainable growth. However, its utilization requires still developments, especially with regard to utilization of non-harvested residues from agricultural and forestry activities, as well as wastes.