The newly nominated Chair of the AER Working Group on the Bioeconomy, Nataša Ritonija, from East Slovenia (SI), shares her motivation for taking on this role, introduces herself, and presents the priorities the group agreed on at the AER General Assembly in Ajara (GE) in June 2024.

Could you please introduce yourself?

My name is Nataša Ritonija. In Slovenia, I am responsible for leading the largest and oldest regional development agency, RDA Podravje – Maribor. Throughout my career, I have gained valuable knowledge and experience in various fields, both at home and abroad, which have provided me with insights into the diverse opportunities for regional development.

I have worked in public administration, the private sector, and non-profit organizations, focusing on project development, strategic planning, international cooperation, and sustainable development. These experiences have enabled me to develop a comprehensive approach to addressing challenges and seizing opportunities that our region offers. I am thrilled to have taken on the role of leader of the Working Group for Bioeconomy and I’m also thankful for this opportunity.

Why is it important to you to collaborate with other regions on the bioeconomy?

In today’s interconnected world, collaboration with other regions on the bioeconomy is crucial for several reasons. It enables us to share knowledge and innovations across the entire AER, developing more effective and efficient solutions for the bioeconomy sector. By pooling research and technological advancements, we can optimize resources on a larger scale, ensuring they are used in the most sustainable and productive way possible.

Different regions have varying resources and expertise, and working together allows us to leverage these differences to benefit all member regions.

As you know, Slovenia has two so-called cohesion regions, East and West, each of them further divided into so-called development regions. One of the largest development regions in the Eastern cohesion region, development region Podravje (RDA Podravje – Maribor) is also a pilot region in the field of bioeconomy at the European level. At the agency, we have prepared a strategy and an action plan for this area, with the first projects already in progress. By leveraging expertise in key areas, RDA Podravje – Maribor can efficiently guide the working group activities, ensuring impactful and sustainable outcomes for the bioeconomy across the AER.

I think that this united front could strengthen our ability to influence EU policies and funding priorities, shape regulations, and secure financial support for bioeconomy projects. Collaboration also opens new markets and opportunities for businesses, driving economic growth and expanding our reach.

Addressing global challenges such as climate change, food security, and sustainable development requires coordinated approaches, and by working together, we can tackle these issues more effectively. Collaboration enhances investment, creates jobs, and stimulates economies, aligning with broader EU sustainability goals and ensuring our collective bioeconomy remains vibrant and competitive on regional, EU and global scale.

What are the topics the working group will work on in the coming two years?

We will focus on several critical interventions needed in the EU bioeconomy, aligned with key EU strategies and policy documents.

We will contribute to advanced waste management and circular economy strategies in line with the Circular Economy Action Plan, promote innovation in bio-based products as outlined in the EU Bioeconomy Strategy, and identify solutions for climate change mitigation supporting the EU Climate Action Plan.

Additionally, we will focus also on:

• efficient biomass utilization methods for bioenergy to reduce fossil fuel dependence
• sustainable practices in agriculture and forestry consistent with the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and the European Green Deal
• Also we will strengthen research and development partnerships to drive technological advancements, leveraging Horizon Europe funding.

Our efforts will include analyzing and aligning EU policies to create a supportive framework for bioeconomy initiatives, raising public awareness and engagement to support bioeconomy initiatives, and securing funding opportunities for bioeconomy projects through EU grants and public-private partnerships.

By addressing these areas, the working group aims to enhance sustainable development, economic growth, and environmental stewardship across the region, fully supporting the objectives of the European Green Deal and the EU’s long-term sustainability goals.

What will you organize together in the coming months?

We are preparing quite a few activities and events, one of the largest being the General Assembly and the meeting of members of the Assembly of European Regions (AER) in May / June 2025, which will take place in my hometown, Maribor. One day will be dedicated to field trips and showing best practices in the region regarding bioeconomy.

On 8 October, during the European Week of Regions and Cities, we will also be hosting a Breakfast Briefing in Brussels for members of our working group and key representatives from the Circular Cities and Regions Initiative (CCRI) for the pilot region of Podravje. This event will provide us with first-hand insights into how this topic is being addressed within the European Commission.

If this collaboration with other regions was a song, what would be the title?

Unstoppable by Sia.

The AER Working Group on the Bioeconomy

The working group currently includes 16 regions to exchange and innovate policies and practices: Innlandet (NO), Värmland (SE), Gelderland (NL), Flevoland (NL), Fribourg (CH), Donegal (IE), Udaras na Gaeltachta (IE), Adana (TR), Gaziantep Metropolitan Municipality (TR), Grand Est (FR), Dolj (RO), Tirana (AL), Valencia (ES), East Slovenia (SI), West Slovenia (SI), and Umbria (IT). Any member of the working group can propose an activity.

It’s Possible to Join Anytime!

It is possible to join AER working Groups at any time. To join the AER Working Group on the Bioeconomy, exchange with peers, and contribute to shaping future activities, please fill in this short registration form. All articles about this working group are available here

AER members can also propose new working groups on topics of interest, fostering innovation and impactful change.