Education plays a crucial role in addressing the plastic pollution problem. Through the #ErasmusMaris initiative of #JRC Geel (Håkan Emteborg and John Seghers) and #AyamSailing, led by Kamel Labibes, secondary school teachers are supported with materials and methods to map plastic pollution in their local environment, working alongside their students. With scientific support and infrastructure from the #BlueGrowthResearchLab of Prof. Jana Asselman, around 20 teachers from schools...

On 15 January 2026, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) hosted an Expert Hearing on Life Sciences and Rare Diseases The Expert Hearing brought together policymakers, scientists, and health stakeholders to discuss priorities for Europe’s evolving health strategies. The European Spas Association was honoured to contribute to this important exchange, represented by Dr. Siyka Katsarova and Csilla Mezoesi. The discussion focused on the role of...