For the first time in the history of EATiP, the GA was held as a virtual event. It allowed nevertheless to have some good discussions, and to inform the membership about the platform’s major past and future actions in the new R&I setting of the European Green Deal and Horizon Europe. Representatives from collaborating networks EIT Food, Bio-based Industries Consoritum and BlueInvest explained how a stronger interaction is envisaged. Together, we can raise a stronger awareness for importance of innovation in European aquaculture.

Representatives from the European Commission, DG RTD and DG MARE, presented the policies and strategies impacting aquaculture R&I at a European level. Especially the Farm to Fork strategy and the economic recovery plan call for an integrated, food system approach reaching out for a resilient aquaculture sector with a green ambition. They expressed the importance of EATiP as a representative of the European sector during the upcoming processes in Horizon Europe.

The election of the Board of Directors resulted in the welcoming of Alex Obach (FEFAC), Marisol Izquierdo (ULPGC, EcoAqua), Raphaëla le Gouvello (IUCN), Patrick Sorgeloos (UGent, chair of EATiP INCO working group) and Yolanda Molares (ACUIPLUS, chair of EATiP MiP working group) as new Board members.

The mandate of Francois Simard (IUCN), Iciar Martinez (Universidad del Pais Vasco) and Ole Christensen (FEFAC) ended, and they were thanked for their important contributions during the past years.