Purpose: This study aimed to assess the socio-economic importance of bioenergy production for the economy of the European Union and its individual members in relation to its competitiveness and situation on the labour market. Design/methodology/approach: This study analyzes the socioeconomic importance of bioenergy production in EU countries in the context of the turnover generated, volume of employment, and labour productivity in the various sections that produce energy from biomass (bioelectricity, bioethanol and biodiesel). This study uses figures extracted from the EU Bioeconomy Monitoring System (Data-Modeling platform, 2025) for 27 EU countries. Findings: The study showed that bioenergy production in the European Union member countries has a significant importance for its labour market, because the scale of employment in the three analyzed bioenergy sectors doubled between 2010 and 2021 to nearly 50 million employees. During this period revenue from bioenergy production increased more than threefold. In terms of labour productivity, which determines the competitiveness of bioenergy production, the situation in the three examined sectors varies greatly across European Union member states. Practical implications: The findings presented in this article, illustrating the efficiency of individual types of bioenergy production, may provide guidance for private investors regarding capital allocation in the renewable energy sector and for public authorities to support the development of renewable energy sources in EU countries. Social implications: The research results presented in this article can be used in promotional and educational activities to achieve a greater degree of acceptance of the EU climate and energy strategies through the large-scale use of renewable energy by the inhabitants of the European Union, and thus improve the condition of the natural environment and their quality of life. Originality/value: This study fills the research gap by assessing the importance of bioenergy production for the labour market in the European Union.