From monitoring to policy implementation in Europe
6 March 2026 | Brussels
On 6 March 2026, the REMEDIES project will host a high-level Policy Workshop in Brussels titled “Measuring Plastic Pollution to Drive Real-World Solutions: From Monitoring to Policy Implementation in Europe.” The workshop will take place from 11:30 to 15:30 CET at Hendrik Conscience, Bd Roi Albert II 15, 1210 Saint-Josse-ten-Noode, bringing together researchers, policymakers, and project representatives working at the intersection of plastic pollution monitoring and environmental regulation.
From Science to Policy: Why Monitoring Matters
Plastic pollution monitoring is increasingly becoming a central pillar of EU environmental policy. The workshop will open with a welcome and policy framing session by Milica Velimirovic Fanfani (VITO), focusing on how scientific monitoring efforts link directly to major European frameworks such as the Zero Pollution Action Plan, the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD), the Water Framework Directive (WFD), and the EU Plastics Strategy.
This policy-oriented framing sets the tone for the event: moving beyond data collection toward the effective integration of monitoring results into regulatory indicators, targets, and implementation mechanisms.
What Can Already Be Measured? Project Insights
The first thematic block of the workshop will present concrete insights from leading European projects actively measuring plastic pollution across marine and freshwater systems.
Presentations include:
-
REMEDIES – Uroš Novak (NIC)
Monitoring plastic pollution in marine and freshwater environments to support remediation. -
INSPIRE – Gert Everaert (VLIZ)
Advancing harmonised and policy-ready measurement approaches for plastic pollution. -
UPSTREAM – Alicia Macan Schönleben (VITO)
Identifying and quantifying plastic pollution at the source, including industry, wastewater, and urban systems. -
PHAROS – Gordon Dalton (PLOCAN)
Protecting marine ecosystems, reducing pollution, and contributing to a carbon-neutral blue economy by 2030.
This session highlights how monitoring technologies and methodologies are evolving to support both remediation and prevention strategies.
Harmonising Microplastics Monitoring
A dedicated session will focus on the Establishment of a Harmonised Microplastics Monitoring Framework in Flanders, presented by Griet Jacobs (VITO). The presentation will explore lessons learned and how regional frameworks can support implementation of microplastics monitoring obligations and ensure alignment with EU environmental directives. This case provides a practical example of how harmonised monitoring can bridge the gap between regional action and European policy requirements.
From Data to Decisions: Translating Science into Regulation
The second half of the workshop will shift toward policy translation. A moderated Policy Roundtable will examine a critical question:
How can scientific monitoring be translated into regulatory indicators and measurable targets?
Participants will then join breakout groups to explore two thematic tracks:
-
Group 1 – Marine & Freshwater
Developing plastic pollution indicators relevant to MSFD, WFD, and regional seas conventions. -
Group 2 – Sources & Prevention
Designing indicators for industry, wastewater systems, ports, and product regulation.
The workshop will conclude with a reporting session and synthesis of key policy-relevant recommendations, followed by closing remarks and next steps led by VITO and the workshop organisers.
