Bioeconomy during the COVID-19 and perspectives for the post-pandemic world: Example from EU

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on human lives around the world. A report from the World Health Organization (WHO) dated 10 May 2021 indicates that the pandemic has resulted in almost 3.2 million deaths globally, with over 157 million confirmed cases. The pandemic crisis may be the driving force for the global integration related to bioeconomy, especially to the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals, development of national and regional bioeconomy strategies, enhancement of the importance of circular economy, assurance of food security as well as sustainable food production, and protection of biodiversity. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has interfered with the achievement of economic, environmental, and social targets in many EU and global initiatives. This article presents the challenges and threats during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as opportunities that can be brought by for bioeconomy development.