Save the date! EU organises the 1st EU Algae Awareness Summit in Paris from 5 to 7 October

From 5 to 7 October, the European Commission, the French Government, and the Global Seaweed Coalition will host the first-ever EU Algae Awareness Summit in Paris, with the support of the Oceanographic Institute, Prince Albert I of Monaco Foundation.

The summit will kick off a process of raising awareness among EU Member States’ administrations and the public about the various benefits that algae cultivation can bring to national and regional economies, to people, and to the regeneration of our Ocean.

The objectives are to

• increase the social awareness of algae and algae-based products
• boost demand for them
• spur the development of the EU algae sector.

From 5 to 6 October, the Maison de l’Océan in Paris, a facility of the Oceanographic Institute, will be home to the algae community.  EU public sector representatives will be inspired by algae entrepreneurs, SMEs, start-ups, researchers, and academics. The two days will offer High-Level Panel Conversations, participatory group discussions, and an exhibition area showcasing innovative projects.

On 7 October, this magnificent venue will open its doors to the public for an immersive day in the world of algae. Well known personalities will guide this journey of discovery with inspiring speeches and a tasting of mouth-watering recipes based on algae.

Background

The EU is one of the biggest importers of seaweed and microalgae products globally, and the demand is expected to reach €9 billion in 2030.

Algae can be used in a wide variety of markets, such as food, cosmetics, animals and fish feed, pharmaceuticals, bio-packaging, or biofuels. The farming of macroalgae can help regenerate the ocean and seas by removing nutrients that cause eutrophication.

Key bottlenecks preventing the development of the algae sector in Europe include

• the lack of awareness about the benefits and opportunities that algae can bring to national economies
• the limited acceptance of algae products among consumers.

On 15 November 2022, the Commission adopted the EU Algae Initiative to fully harness the potential of algae and support the development of the algae sector in the EU.

On February 2022, the Commission created the European Algae Stakeholder forum (EU4Algae Forum): a unique space for collaboration among European algae stakeholders and a single information hub on algae funding calls, projects, business-related information, intelligence and best practices. The Forum currently gathers more than 800 stakeholders within and outside the EU.

More information

1^st EU Algae Awareness Summit

Communication ‘Towards a strong and sustainable EU algae sector'

EU-funded projects on algae

EU4Algae Forum