For several years now, the EU and its Member States have recognised the strategic importance of protein supply. Europe’s current protein system faces growing challenges, including a heavy dependence on imports, price volatility and increasing pressure on the climate and natural environment from livestock-based production.
Protein diversification offers a way forward to address these challenges, while delivering wider benefits for open strategic autonomy, agricultural resilience, public health, and innovation and competitiveness.
This CEPS Explainer sets out why protein diversification matters for the EU and provides an overview of key alternative protein options and their current state of development. It discusses the main barriers preventing these proteins from playing a larger role, notably the need for continued research and innovation, challenges related to scaling and commercialisation, regulatory hurdles and consumer acceptance.
Drawing on international case studies, the Explainer concludes with lessons for the EU and outlines how a more coherent policy approach could support protein diversification.
