EU algae initiative

NAT/882 - EU algae initiative

Context:

The European Commission released a proposal on November 15, 2022, titled "Towards a Strong and Sustainable EU Algae Sector". This Communication proposal aims to find new and sustainable methods of providing food and energy to a rapidly increasing global population. The document stresses the importance of utilizing algae as a renewable resource in Europe to ensure a secure supply of raw materials and energy.

Key points:

The Section for Agriculture, Rural Development and the Environment ( NAT) has adopted an opinion on "EU algae initiative . In the opinion, the EESC:

  • underlines that the algae can help combat climate change and meet the needs of a growing global population in various ways. They can be grown in freshwater and eutrophicated water, thermal bath wastewater, and other types of wastewaters to serve environmental or energy purposes, showcasing the diversity of their potential uses.
  • believes that the EU possesses advanced scientific and technological expertise in microalgae, even in landlocked countries like Czechia, Slovakia, and Hungary. This knowledge can support the development of a European algae sector and help increase public awareness and market acceptance.
  • believes that cultivating microalgae inland to produce protein and lipids can bring economic benefits to less-favored and sparsely populated areas by diversifying their economies. This aligns with the EU's long-term plans for rural development.

Section:

Section for Agriculture, Rural Development and the Environment ( NAT)

Rapporteur:

Zsolt Kükedi (Civil Society Organisations-Group III / Hungary)

Reference:

[COM(2022) 592 final]

EESC-2022-05904-00-00-AS-TRA-EN

Date of the section meeting: 13April 2023

Results of the section meeting vote: 50 votes in favour, none against and 1 abstention.

Date of adoption at the EESC plenary session: 26 April  2023

Results of the plenary session vote: XX in favour, X against, X abstentions

Contacts:

Katerina Serifi

Press Officer

Tel.: +32 (0) 473 72 29 99

Email: aikaterini.serifi@eesc.europa.eu

 

Arturo Iniguez Yuste

Administrator

Tel.: +32 (0) 2 546 8768

email: Arturo.Iniguez@eesc.europa.eu