Algae may be small, but their potential is huge. From sustainable food to marine restoration and bioplastics, algae offer innovative solutions that benefit both people and planet.

Today the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA) published a factsheet to highlight the pivotal role that EU funding has played in advancing the algae sector over the past decade, with far-reaching benefits for European citizens, the environment, and the economy.

The factsheet summarises the results of a portfolio analysis of EU funded projects in the algae sector, which we released in April 2025.

Between 2014 and 2023, the European Union invested around in 219 algae-focused projects through European programmes including the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF), the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF), LIFE, Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe.

These projects brought together from across the EU - primarily from Germany, Spain, France, Italy, the Netherlands, and Portugal.

This support has been crucial in tackling technical and financial barriers, boosting research and development, and paving the way for new markets.

Projects like , which creates algae-based seafood substitutes, and , which restores endangered macroalgal forests in the Mediterranean, illustrate how EU funding is delivering tangible, local impacts while advancing broader sustainability goals.

Based on the projects’ recommendations, the factsheet also outlines key actions for the future: increasing investment in advanced bio-based technologies, supporting collaboration across sectors, addressing high Research & Development costs, and improving consumer awareness and education.

As Europe continues to scale up algae production, it does so not only with environmental ambition but with clear benefits for citizens—through job creation, healthier food systems, and cleaner seas.

See the factsheet