1st HAZGONE Platform Forum to launch active cooperation on hazardous substances governance

On 16 April 2026, the HAZGONE Platform will host its first HAZGONE Platform Forum in Hamburg, bringing together key actors working on hazardous substances and micropollutants across the Baltic Sea Region. The one-day, in-person forum will mark an important milestone in launching the active use of the HAZGONE platform as a shared space for cooperation, knowledge transfer and policy support.

The HAZGONE Platform is an Interreg Baltic Sea Region Programme project addressing hazardous substances and micropollutants along the entire environmental “pipe”. While many initiatives focus on downstream solutions such as monitoring, removal and treatment, upstream approaches – including prevention, substitution and policy integration – remain underrepresented in many countries. HAZGONE aims to close this gap by fostering a holistic upstream–downstream perspective, building on results and tools developed in numerous Interreg projects and regional initiatives.

A working forum focused on use, transfer and impact

The 1st HAZGONE Platform Forum is designed as a practical and strategic working meeting, rather than a traditional conference. Its purpose is to clarify the philosophy, added value and working logic of the platform and to explore how project results can be effectively spread, transferred into policy processes and embedded in ongoing and future initiatives. The programme will combine inspiration, hands-on exchange and cross-sector dialogue, with a strong focus on linking upstream prevention and downstream action.

Bringing together key stakeholders

Participation will be by invitation and will include HAZGONE project partners and associated organisations, the full EUSBSR Policy Area Hazards Steering Group, selected partners from contributing projects, and invited external experts. This mix aims to ensure both strategic alignment and practical relevance, strengthening cooperation across sectors and governance levels.

Looking ahead

The outcomes of the forum will guide the next steps in platform development and cooperation. A second HAZGONE Platform Forum is foreseen for spring 2027, planned back-to-back with the HELCOM Source-to-Sea meeting, further strengthening links between projects, policy processes and regional cooperation frameworks.

Programme Manual Online

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