There is a huge potential for yield increase of agricultural crop residues and biomass from forestry in the European Union, Ukraine, Russia and Belarus. A stepwise approach was used to identify the realistic potential in these regions, starting with an estimate of the theoretical potential based on crop- and forest-type specific best practices for yield increase, which is then narrowed down to a technical-sustainable potential. Ecofys developed and assessed best practice strategies for residue yield increase with regard to their feasibility of application in the EU, Ukraine, Russia and Belarus.