What happened
The European Commission opened registration on 22 September for the first EU Zero Pollution Forum, which will take place in Brussels on 7 December 2026. The Commission and the European Committee of the Regions are organising the event.
The forum is intended to convene public authorities, businesses, civil-society organisations, researchers, cities and regions. It will present examples of practical approaches to preventing and cutting pollution. Companies, public bodies and projects may also apply to exhibit their solutions.
The announcement accompanied a meeting of the Zero Pollution Stakeholder Platform. Its renewed version has a wider membership and will concentrate on delivery, cooperation between participants and joined-up solutions for air, water, oceans and soil.
Why it matters
For businesses and authorities, the forum offers a route to present projects and exchange practice on implementation, investment, innovation, digital water systems and skills. The Commission links this work to environmental protection and European competitiveness.
The platform is designed to help the Commission identify obstacles, share workable approaches and encourage solutions supporting the Zero Pollution Action Plan. Its scope also includes private-capital mobilisation, research, LIFE projects and action on green-skills shortages.
Background
This was the ninth meeting of the Zero Pollution Stakeholder Platform since it was created. It followed the first meeting of the Water Resilience Stakeholder Platform; the two groups are expected to work together on shared subjects.
Participants were also due to receive an advance look at the third Zero Pollution Monitoring and Outlook from the European Environment Agency and the Joint Research Centre. The publication is expected before the end of 2026.
What's next
Registration is open for the 7 December forum. Organisations seeking exhibition space can apply through the event registration process.
