Registrations for the 1st EU Zero Pollution Forum opened today (22 Sep), which takes place in Brussels on 7 December.
Jessika Roswall, Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy, made the announcement during the Zero Pollution Stakeholder Platform meeting, launching a new phase of work to deliver clean air, water, ocean and soil.
The renewed platform, with expanded membership, will focus on implementation, practical cooperation and integrated solutions that contribute to environmental protection and Europe’s competitiveness.
The meeting, organised by the European Commission and the European Committee of the Regions, brings together stakeholders from public authorities, business, civil society, research, cities and regions to support the delivery of Europe’s zero pollution ambition.
Commissioner Roswall, in her opening speech, stressed that zero pollution is not separate from competitiveness, but part of it, linking health, resilience, innovation and economic strength.
“The transition to zero pollution will not be delivered by declarations alone. It will be delivered by better implementation, better cooperation, better evidence and better choices. That is why this renewed Platform matters.”
Jessika Roswall, European Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy
“I am honoured to start working as the new co-chair of the Zero Pollution Stakeholder Platform. The Committee of the Regions has recently reaffirmed its strong commitment to the Zero Pollution Ambition and the importance of the Polluter Pays Principle. If the polluter does not pay, often it is the local community that has to pick up the bill.”
Henna Partanen, new co-chair of the Platform and member of the European Committee of the Regions
Today’s discussions focus on key elements for further progress, such as the necessary level of investment, mobilisation of private capital, innovation and skills, hubs, research and LIFE projects, digitalisation of the water sector and action to address green skills shortages.
The mid-term review of the Zero Pollution Action Plan offers the wider policy context. Participants will also receive a sneak preview of the 3rd Zero Pollution Monitoring and Outlook, expected before the end of 2026, from the European Environment Agency and the Joint Research Centre.
Registrations open for the European Zero Pollution Forum
The 1st European Forum on 7 December, organised by the European Commission and the European Committee of the Regions, will offer opportunities to showcase practical success stories and to demonstrate that zero pollution is a shared European project linking health, environment, resilience, innovation and competitiveness.
Companies, authorities or projects interested in exhibiting their inspiring zero pollution solutions can apply below.
Background
This is the 9th Platform meeting since its establishment and comes back-to-back with the first meeting of the Water Resilience Stakeholder Platform. Both platforms will collaborate and share their expertise on the joint topics.
The renewed Zero Pollution Stakeholder Platform supports the European Commission in achieving the objectives of the Zero Pollution Action Plan through engagement with stakeholders concerned. Its mission is to help identify barriers, exchange good practices, and promote zero pollution solutions in areas such as implementation, investment, innovation, digitalisation, skills and international cooperation.
The Platform aims to complement existing initiatives and expert groups and strengthen synergies with related initiatives, including those on water resilience, circular economy, biodiversity, cities and climate, while keeping a specific focus on preventing and reducing air, water, ocean and soil pollution through an integrated approach.
More information
Zero Pollution Action Plan | European Commission
Zero Pollution Stakeholders Platform | European Commission
Water resilience strategy | European Commission
Zero Pollution Going Local | European Committee of the Regions
