EMPEREST at the Mission Arena 4 in Sopot

Welcome to the fourth Mission Arena in Sopot, Poland on 28-29 April 2025 in conjunction with the Blue Economy Baltic Forum and the Polish EU Council Presidency. This Arena will focus on the region including Poland, Eastern Germany and Denmark, and South-Eastern Sweden. The Arena is co-organised by BlueMissionBANOS and the Sustainable Blue Economy Partnership. BlueMissionBANOS provides direct support to the EU Mission "Restore our Ocean and Waters" aiming to protect and restore the health of our ocean and waters through research and innovation, citizen engagement and blue investments.

Over the course of one and a half days, participants will have the opportunity to discuss the most pressing blue economy issues facing the region such as shipping and ports, maritime security, and sustainable food production. The event will culminate in the co-creation of a roadmap guiding the region toward achieving the goals of EU Mission Oceans & Waters.

Tackling PFAS pollution in water

Workshop at the 4th Blue Mission BANOS Arena Conference in Sopot, Tuesday 29 April 2025 at 10.45-12.15 (90 minutes)

This essential workshop will address the growing challenge of PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) pollution in the Baltic Sea. For years, marine protection efforts concentrated on eutrophication, but now, the spotlight is on hazardous substances like PFAS, which are persistent, mobile, and pose significant risks to both the environment and human health.

This workshop, organized by the EMPEREST project – Mission Ocean signatory – will provide a comprehensive look at the impact of PFAS in our waters, its role in environmental contamination, and the challenges it creates for circular economies. Experts will share insights on PFAS monitoring, mitigation measures at the local level, and the importance of transnational cooperation to phase out these harmful chemicals.

Key topics include:

• Understanding the risks of PFAS and their sources
• Data collection and monitoring efforts in the Baltic Sea
• Local solutions for reducing PFAS contamination

Through short presentations and interactive round-table discussions, participants will gain valuable knowledge to take action, raise awareness, and support ongoing efforts to clean our environment. This is a unique opportunity to engage with experts and be part of the solution to this urgent environmental issue.