Blue Foods for a Sustainable Future: Launching the Call for an EU Action Plan
When: Wednesday 3rd September 2025, 16h30 – 18h00 CEST
Where: European Parliament, Brussels, Room P3C050 and live web-stream
It will be followed by a reception at the Culina Mundi event space (EP) ASP Zone E.
About the event:
EU food systems’ transformation stands at a pivotal moment, as policymakers, producers, and consumers alike seek solutions to the growing demands for sustainable, nutritious and low-carbon food. Blue foods – sourced through sustainable fisheries and aquaculture – offer a strategic opportunity to address Europe’s pressing challenges in food security, nutritional values, climate resilience, public health, socio-economic prosperity and livelihoods, as well as meeting the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Despite their potential being recognized as game-changing at UNFCCC COP28 in Dubai, current EU policies fall short of making blue foods an accessible, affordable, and sustainable dietary choice. While Europe remains heavily reliant on imports and production is declining, consumers lack sufficient awareness about nutritional and environmental benefits of food coming from the ocean.
As a result, this event will officially present and promote a joint stakeholder “Call for an EU Action Plan for Blue Foods”. Anchored in scientific evidence and driven by a broad coalition of organizations, the call outlines key actions the European Commission should take, in order to position blue foods at the heart of the European Oceans Pact and sustainable food systems’ transformation – particularly following the key discussions during the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC-3) in June.
Draft Agenda:
16:30 – 16:45: Welcome of participants
16:45-16:55: Opening remarks by MEP Carmen Crespo Díaz, PECH Chair
16:55 – 17:05: Intervention by Felix Leinemann, Head of Unit on “Blue Economy Sectors, Aquaculture & Maritime Spational Planning” (MARE A3), European Commission
17:05-17:25: Reactions by:
- Ilias Grampas, Deputy Director, (EBCD)
- Tim Heddema, Vice-President Europêche
- Szilvia Mihálffy, Federation of European Aquaculture Producers (FEAP)
- Esben Servdrup-Jensen, President, European Association of fish Producers Organisation, (EAPO)
- Guus Pastoor, President, European Fish Processors Associations (AIPCE)
- Javier Garat, Rapporteur for “Civil society’s vision for a European Oceans Pact”, EESC
- Manuel Barange, Director of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Division, FAO
17:25 – 17:55: Q&A session with the audience
17:55-18:00: Closing remarks by MEP Carmen Crespo Díaz, PECH Chair
18:00-20:00: Networking reception
Join from the meeting link:
https://europarl.webex.com/europarl/j.php?MTID=m7f34c92927d8f30f526973804d1e7d33
