Published on 4 April 2025
A New Chapter for EU4Algae
Running from 10:00 to 13:00 CET, this first edition of the Quarterly Webinar Series set the stage for deeper collaboration within the algae sector. Maris Stulgis, Policy Officer for Blue Bioeconomy, Algae, and Marine Aquaculture at DG MARE, opened the session with a look at EU4Algae’s milestones from 2022 to 2024 and the broader progress of the EU Algae Initiative, now in its third year.
EU4Algae’s Key Achievements (2022–2024)
Since its launch in 2022 by the European Commission, and as the flagship algae project of DG MARE, EU4Algae has played a key role in supporting the development and growth of Europe’s algae sector. This webinar highlighted major achievements, including:
Publications & Resources:
- EU4Algae Booklet
- Licensing Toolkit (now expanding!)
- Published reports/outcomes (with more coming soon!), such as:
- Summary Report on Overview of Education, Youth & Business Support for the European Algae Sector
- Protocol to Apply for a Novel Food Dossier
- Business Case and Project Recommendations on the Development of Regenerative Ocean Farming as a Bioremediation Measure in Europe
- List of Social Aspects Relevant to the Growth of the European Algae Industry
Tools & Platforms:
These efforts have positioned EU4Algae as a key source for knowledge-sharing, industry insights, and a contributor to policy advancements.
The Evolution of the EU4Algae Community
With the new 2025 phase of EU4Algae underway, the community has transitioned from seven Working Groups to a more unified structure, aligning with the four pillars of the EU Algae Initiative: Governance, Awareness, Research, and Business.
Since its launch in 2022, EU4Algae has grown into a vibrant community of over 1,100 registered members, including industry leaders, researchers, policymakers, and innovators, all shaping the initiative’s implementation.
What’s next?
- 2nd EU Algae Awareness Summit (16-17 October 2025)
- Awareness-raising activities, campaigns & events
- Webinars, training sessions & EU algae-related meetings
- Expanded Licensing Toolkit & Algae Farmers Toolkit
- Annual Project Meetings
- … and more!
Unlocking the Potential of Algae in Europe
Another key moment in the webinar was a portfolio analysis of EU algae projects, presented by Giulia Carboni, Programme Coordination Manager at CINEA. This deep dive into EU-funded initiatives highlighted the significant investments and strategic efforts driving algae innovation across Europe.
Since 2014, the EU has funded 219 algae-related projects, channelling an impressive €559.1 million into advancing algae research, production, and commercialisation – with EU4Algae being one of these flagship initiatives. These projects, supported through direct management EU programs, have played a pivotal role in fostering innovation, sustainability, and economic opportunities within the sector.
Beyond the numbers, stakeholder insights play a key role in shaping future funding strategies. Input from project coordinators has provided valuable recommendations for policy development and future EU calls for proposals, ensuring that funding aligns with industry needs and scientific advancements.
With continued investment and strategic guidance, the EU algae sector is poised for further growth, reinforcing its role in food security, climate resilience, and the regenerative blue economy.
Fireside Chat: Showcasing EU-Funded Projects
The webinar also featured four pioneering EU4Algae members presenting their contributions to the algae sector:
- AlgaeProBANOS: Demonstrates the viability and market accessibility of regenerative and innovative algae-based products and solutions in the Baltic and North Seas. It supports a broad range of innovative, sustainable, bio-based products while generating new regional regenerative industries and driving economic growth.
- SeaMark: Aims to reduce seaweed cultivation costs, enhance biorefinery capacity, assess regulatory frameworks, and provide strategic investment recommendations to maximise the potential of macroalgae-based products.
- Cool Blue Baltic: Fosters the development of community ocean farms and local business clusters in the Baltic Sea by facilitating regional co-assessment workshops, offering an online training platform ("CoolBlueFuture"), and supporting over ten country facilitators to drive regenerative aquaculture initiatives.
- Novafoodies: Promotes the regenerative production of microalgae, macroalgae, and fish while enhancing waste valorisation. It focuses on developing novel functional aquafeeds and food products, improving traceability in the blue economy, and strengthening workforce skills through digital tools and innovative solutions.
Each project aligns with the EU Algae Initiative pillars – Governance, Awareness, Research, and Business – and represents the diversity and potential of Europe’s algae industry.
Looking Ahead: Strengthening the EU4Algae Community
As the EU algae sector continues to grow, so does the need for collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and strategic action. EU4Algae remains at the heart of this transformation, helping drive innovation and shaping the future of algae in Europe.
How can you stay involved? Engage in the EU4Algae Maritime Forum page, where discussions, insights, and exclusive opportunities are shared.
Exciting news! A new way to connect is coming soon! The official EU4Algae LinkedIn group will soon be launched, providing an additional platform for networking, collaboration, and staying up to date with sector developments. Stay tuned for its official launch and be among the first to join!
Don’t miss out! Subscribe to the EU4Algae newsletter for exclusive insights, opportunities, and the latest updates in the European algae sector. Sign up today!
Watch the Full Webinar
Catch up on the full "EU4Algae Webinar Series: Shaping Our Community" on our YouTube playlist!
Additional information
Join the #EU4Algae conversation and keep an eye on the EU4Algae Forum to stay updated on ongoing activities, initiatives, and sector updates.
Got questions? Contact us at: contact@eu4algae.eu.
Have you explored the EU4Algae Interactive Platform?
Designed to promote algae product awareness and increase consumer knowledge, the EU4Algae Interactive Platform offers a range of activities. Take the EU4Algae Quiz to test your algae knowledge, participate in our Survey to share your algae-eating habits (the first 200 respondents get a free eBook!) and play the interactive Game to discover which type of algae you are.