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Small particles, big concerns: Marine microplastics revisited

Hosted by MEP Catherine Chabaud, Co-Chair of the ‘Ocean Governance’ Working Group of the European Parliament Intergroup on ‘Climate Change, Biodiversity and Sustainable Development’

Small particles, big concerns: Marine microplastics revisited


  • 06 Dec 2023 14:15 - 06 Dec 2023 16:00
Hybrid event held at the European Parliament (Room PHS 5B1) & online

The aim of the event is to foster a comprehensive understanding of the challenges posed by microplastics in marine ecosystems and to catalyse collective action. The event seeks to facilitate a discussion on the latest research findings related to the sources, distribution, and impacts of microplastics and to address and inform European policies, such as the Plastics Strategy and the Action Plan for marine ecosystems. 

Draft Agenda

14:15 – 14:25: Opening remarks by:

  • MEP Catherine Chabaud
  • Niall McDonough, Chair, JPI Oceans

14:25 – 14:55: Presentations by:

  • Aaron Beck, Coordinator JPI Oceans HOTMIC project – Horizontal and vertical oceanic distribution, transport, and impact of microplastics – GEOMAR
  • Georg Hanke, Joint Research Center, Implementation of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive and upcoming position paper on microplastics

14:55 – 15:35: Panel discussion with the participation of:

  • Emmanuelle Maire, Head of Unit on ‘Circular Economy, Sustainable Production & Consumption’ (B1), DG ENV, European Commission
  • Camilla Carteny, Microplastics Technical Manager, Plastics Europe
  • Frédérique Mongodin, Senior Marine Litter Policy Officer, Seas At Risk
  • Janyl Moldalieva, Policy Officer, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
  • Stéphane Isoard, Head of Group – Oceans and sustainable blue economy, EEA
  • Aaron Beck, Coordinator JPI Oceans HOTMIC project – Horizontal and vertical oceanic distribution, transport, and impact of microplastics – GEOMAR

15:35 – 15:55: Q&As with the audience, including reactions from additional MEPs (tbc)

15:55 – 16:00: Closing remarks by MEP Catherine Chabaud