The Horizon Europe project ONE-BLUE will bring together policymakers, researchers and key stakeholders at the European Parliament on 3 June 2026 for the event “ONE-BLUE: Invisible pollutants, real impacts – Engaging stakeholders to improve governance and policy responses to emerging contaminants in European seas”.
Hosted by Member of the European Parliament Antonio López-Istúriz White and organised in the framework of EU Green Week 2026, the event will explore how scientific knowledge, marine data and stakeholder engagement can contribute to strengthening Europe’s response to emerging contaminants affecting marine ecosystems.
Emerging contaminants —including microplastics, pharmaceutical residues and other substances of growing concern— are increasingly present in marine environments. While many of their long-term impacts remain insufficiently understood, they raise important questions for biodiversity, marine ecosystem health, human well-being and the sustainable management of maritime activities.
As a Horizon Europe research and innovation project, ONE-BLUE is working to improve scientific understanding of these contaminants and their interactions with marine ecosystems. Beyond generating knowledge, the project seeks to contribute to evidence-based policymaking and foster dialogue between science, public authorities and stakeholders.
The event will provide a platform to discuss how Europe can strengthen governance responses to emerging environmental challenges, improve science-policy cooperation and enhance stakeholder engagement in addressing marine pollution.
The programme will feature representatives from the European Parliament, the European Commission, the scientific community and organisations working on marine governance, environmental protection and ocean-related policies.
Among the confirmed speakers are:
• Antonio López-Istúriz White, Member of the European Parliament
• Andreea Strachinescu, Head of Unit, Maritime Innovation, Marine Knowledge and Investment, DG MARE, European Commission
• Paulo do Nascimento Cabral, Vice-Chair of the Fisheries Committee and member of the Ocean Pact Task Force of the EPP Group in the European Parliament
• Marinella Farré, ONE-BLUE Coordinator and researcher at IDAEA-CSIC
The event will also include a stakeholder roundtable bringing together representatives from European research and innovation initiatives working on marine and environmental challenges.
By facilitating dialogue between policymakers, researchers and stakeholders, ONE-BLUE aims to contribute to more coordinated and effective responses to emerging contaminants and to support the protection of Europe’s seas and oceans.
Event details
📅 Date: 3 June 2026
🕒 Time: 11:30 – 13:00
📍 Venue: European Parliament, Brussels (Room A5F385)
💻 Format: Hybrid
