Bioenergy Europe Moves Toward Gender Balance in its Governance

On 2 October, Bioenergy Europe met in a hybrid event in Brussels to approve a key amendment to the organization’s statute promoting gender balance on its board. The new board will be elected on 20 November, following the new statutes’ changes.

 

Bioenergy Europe acknowledged that the bioenergy sector has long struggled with gender disparity, particularly in leadership positions. To make a tangible change, Bioenergy Europe’s General Assembly dedicated part of the session to addressing this issue head-on. The assembly voted on a key statute change, increasing the directors’ number and allowing for representation of the gender minority in the current board. Bioenergy Europe is positive that this will pave the way for more women to take on leadership roles within the organization.

 

This decision reflects a growing awareness within the sector that gender diversity is not only a matter of fairness but is also integral to the sector’s ability to meet future challenges. The statute change will be effective as of the next elections of the Board.

 

A more diverse leadership team is expected to come out from future elections. This will bring varied perspectives and foster innovation, factors that are increasingly important as Bioenergy Europe prepares to engage with new political institutions following the latest elections.

 

Networking event

On the same day, Bioenergy Europe hosted its Networking Event in Brussels, bringing together members and relevant stakeholders from the bioenergy and broader energy sectors, including representatives from European institutions.

 

Member of the European Parliament Morten Løkkegaard delivered the welcome speech. During the event, the discussions emphasized the significant potential of bioenergy, with a focus on the need for a comprehensive strategy that supports the transition to renewable energy sources and enhances the competitiveness of Europe’s bioeconomy industries.

 

National advocacy Task Force

The day after, Bioenergy Europe’s members participated in the Task Force National Advocacy and discussed the role of the bioenergy sector within the new political context. The Task Force aims to enhance cooperation between Bioenergy Europe and National biomass associations for more effective advocacy on EU and national levels.