Good morning, Minister Rainer, distinguished colleagues, ladies and gentlemen.

It is my privilege to welcome you to the second EU Algae Awareness Summit on behalf of the European Commission.

It is a pleasure to be here, in the heart of Berlins historical and political district. How fitting it is that we address the future of Europes blue bioeconomy and the cutting-edge potential of algae production at a location that bridges the new with the old so seamlessly!

A few years ago, we embarked on a journey. We launched the EU Algae Initiative, set up the EU4Algae stakeholder platform, hosted our first summit, and put algae firmly on Europes agenda.

We showed that algae are not just a mere curiosity, but a strategic resource that can transform how Europe produces food, develops new medicines, creates sustainable materials, and grows its blue bioeconomy.  It was like planting seeds. And today, we see those seeds sprouting. We are in the process of moving from simple awareness to building the future of algae in Europe.

Our commitment remains strong. Algae represent more than just a product line. They offer solutions to some of todays most pressing challenges: climate change, food security, low-carbon products, marine ecosystem regeneration, and job creation in our coastal and rural regions.

In fact, the European Ocean Pact identifies algae as a nature-positive solution for these challenges and calls upon us to unlock their full potential and expand their production across Europe. Yet, policy alone is not enough. We need the industry to rise to the occasion and take action.

So today I invite companies, entrepreneurs, and innovators to make voluntary commitments - to expand production, to invest, and to innovate.

And rest assured, we will be here to help. By 2027, the Commission will introduce the EU Blue Bioeconomy Innovation Partnership (BlueBIP), a collaborative engine designed to accelerate innovative and regenerative uses of algae and other underused marine biomass.

Aligned with the upcoming EU Bioeconomy Strategy, BlueBIP will aim to transform research into market-ready solutions, creating a platform for ideas, best practices, and investment. Whether for food, feed, fertilisers, packaging, or pharmaceuticals, this partnership will help to unlock the full potential of Europes blue bioeconomy.

Our foundation is knowledge. This summer we published the Sustainable EU Algae Industry Study, mapping resources, highlighting opportunities, and confirming the growing demand for algae-based ingredients for food, feed, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. This study highlights the promise of algae-derived omega-3s – a high-quality, sustainable alternative to fish oil.

Data remains key. This is a small sector that is growing quickly, and we must demonstrate that progress clearly. With significant investments in the EU Algae Initiative, EU4Algae, and research and innovation calls, the Commission has laid the foundation.

We now need the industry to step up and share their insights to complete the picture. By sharing cultivation and production data, you demonstrate your credibility and drive - and pave the way for further support and investment.

Here in Germany, we can already see what leadership on algae looks like. From Fraunhofers advancements on high-value compounds; to one of the worlds largest photobioreactor farms in Klötze. And Hamburgs groundbreaking SolarLeaf - the first building façade that cultivates microalgae for heat and renewable energy. This is evidence that innovation and sustainability can, indeed, go hand in hand.

But the clock is ticking. Asia is at the forefront of global production; with the United States, India, and Australia moving fast. If Europe wants a place at the table, we must act now.

Our strength may not lie in volume, but in innovation, sustainability, and quality. We can lead by regenerating ecosystems, empowering communities, and delivering trusted products.

So let me conclude with three messages:

  1. To the national authorities: The EU stands ready to support you. The Ocean Pact, BlueBIP, and EU4Algae are here for you.
  2. To the industry: Step up your commitments and show your progress. The market is ready for your investment, innovation, and leadership.
  3. And to all of us: Lets work together to build a European algae sector that is competitive, regenerative, and resilient.

This second EU Algae Summit is a call to action - to shape the blue and green transformation that Europe and the world need. The future is in our hands. Lets seize it - together.