Last week, Donau Soja hosted its annual General Assembly and Networking Event in Vienna – bringing together processors, scientists, retailers and policymakers from 22 different countries, united by one goal: moving Europe´s protein sector forward together. Panel discussions with leading speakers, including Koen Dillen, Head of Unit at the European Commission, set the stage for valuable knowledge exchange and networking.
One of the day’s highlights was the panel “How new EU policy frameworks and geopolitical shifts are reshaping Europe’s protein market” – with Koen Dillen (European Commission), Matthias Krön (Donau Soja), René van der Poel (ADM Straubing) and Dr. Pierre-Marie Aubert (IDDRI, an independent policy research and multi-stakeholder dialogue institute). Koen Dillen underlined that with the upcoming EU Protein Plan in July, the direction is set: expanding European protein crop production and reducing dependence on overseas imports.
“Europe needs is a Protein strategy that drives real action. We have the tools, the network and the knowledge to strengthen Europe’s protein sovereignty. Now we need the political commitment to act. Not doing so will endanger food security on our continent.”, said Matthias Krön, President of Donau Soja. From EU policy and protein self-sufficiency to climate change on the field and plant-based food innovation – the agenda reflected where European protein stands today, and where it needs to go.
A network that moves things forward for 13 years
Over the past year, Donau Soja has made significant strategic and structural changes to strengthen the organisation for what lies ahead. In 2026, the focus is on expanding and developing European protein value chains as well as the protein sovereignty for Europe that comes with them – built on 13 years of trust, expertise and reliable partnerships across the continent.
The event left its mark beyond the agenda. Participants left with new connections, fresh perspectives and a stronger sense of belonging to something bigger: A community of passionate people from across the whole value chain – same needs, same drive, same direction. “It helps you see where the soybean market is heading,” was a feeling shared by many. The message from Vienna was clear: the European protein sector is ready to move – and Donau Soja is leading the way.
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About Donau Soja
Donau Soja is a non-profit, independent association who supports its partners and members in progressing change to address social, environmental, and economic challenges in soya, legumes and protein production and consumption. This will increase efficiency, fairness and sustainability in European food and feed protein value chains. Donau Soja is supported by the Austrian Development Agency (ADA)
Contact
Lilly Speckner
Marketing & Communications Manager
Donau Soja
speckner@donausoja.org
+ 43 664 883 163 66