On 4 September 2025, Donau Soja held its annual General Assembly and Networking Event at the Urania in Vienna. More than 110 decision-makers and experts from over 20 countries attended to discuss the future of a resilient, deforestation-free protein supply in Europe. The event brought together stakeholders from across the entire value chain – from breeders and processors to scientists, innovators, producers and retailers.
A highlight of the programme was the panel discussion “Why we need a European Protein Strategy” with Laurent Mercier (European Commission). The panellists stressed the importance of a holistic European protein approach that integrates research and innovation, market development and action at Member State level. “Legumes must be part of the solution across feed and food, with integrated value chains that reward sustainable production.”, as Laurent Mercier expressed.
In addition, Aurélie Tournan, General Manager of Donau Soja, presented the organisation’s roadmap for the years ahead. The long-term vision is to bring Europe significantly closer to 50% self-sufficiency in soya and other legumes by 2035 – by strengthening regional production, reducing avoidable overconsumption and supporting sustainable, deforestation-free supply chains.
Thematic sessions in the afternoon pointed out that soybeans present significant opportunities for European agriculture to adapt to climate change. Achieving this potential requires targeted breeding investments, supportive policies, and integrated efforts across the value chain. Donau Soja as a platform and project-partner enables science-based collaboration to advance these goals.
The event further showed how Donau Soja’s tools (like the Donau Soja and Europe Soya standards, branded datasets and Crop Insights) support stakeholders in achieving zero deforestation/-conversion and emission reduction targets, while supporting compliance with EUDR, CSRD or SBTi. It was concluded that the focus must shift from learning to implementation, and that stronger collaboration across supply chains will be key to addressing challenges such as the EUDR more effectively – but above all for the sustainability, autonomy and resilience of our food system.
The event once again highlighted the complexity of the challenges on the way to a sustainable protein supply, while also demonstrating the strong commitment and solution-oriented spirit within the Donau Soja community.
Find our photo gallery here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/194090588@N07/albums/72177720328938142/
Watch our short aftermovie here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dJzLI1hixZk