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Oceans and fisheries
News announcement11 February 2021Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries

Towards a strong and sustainable EU algae sector – conclusions from the public consultation

The European Commission is preparing a comprehensive cross-sectoral EU algae initiative. The aim of the initiative is to increase the sustainable production, consumption and use of algae and algae-based products. Because of their small carbon and environmental footprint, raising the profile of algae will help achieve the objectives of the European Green Deal, the transition to a green, circular and carbon-neutral EU.

Algae represent a largely untapped resource in Europe. They can be used to produce food, feed, pharmaceuticals, bioplastics, fertilisers and biofuels. The potential of algae is recognized in EU initiatives such as Farm to Fork and the new circular economy action plan.

A recent public consultation on the Commission’s inception impact assessment revealed a broad interest in the subject. EU and non-EU citizens, research institutions, NGOs, business organisations, companies and public authorities contributed with their opinions and suggestions.

The overwhelming majority of responses to the consultation confirmed the relevance of five priorities to unlock the potential of the EU algae sector:

  1. Improving regulatory and governance framework
  2. Supporting functioning of the market
  3. Improving business environment
  4. Increasing social awareness and acceptance
  5. Closing knowledge, research and innovation gaps

Respondents also agreed that the EU has an important role to support the development of the EU algae sector and should help make the algae sector more competitive and sustainable.

Based on the consultation and further preparatory work in the course of 2021, the Commission will now identify effective actions, new opportunities and the needs of the sector to be considered within the forthcoming EU Algae Initiative.

More information

All contributions to the public consultation on the “Blue bioeconomy – towards a strong and sustainable EU algae sector” roadmap

For more information on the subject of algae in Europe, you can consult the policy recommendations of the Blue Bioeconomy Forum Roadmap (final reportbrochure) published in December 2019.

Watch Portuguese top Chef Rui Paula cook anglerfish https://youtu.be/zallyGbG3c0  

Details

Publication date
11 February 2021
Author
Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries