The Commission urges organisations to join the Zero Pollution Stakeholder Platform

The Commission is inviting applications from new experts wishing to join the Zero Pollution Stakeholder Platform. This revamped platform will continue to work towards the Commission’s goal of achieving zero pollution.  

Earlier this year, the European Commission published themid-term review of the Zero Pollution Action Plan,which takes stock of the progress made since 2021. 

According to the report, faster action is needed for the EU to meet its zero pollution targets. To drive progress, the Commission is relaunching the Zero Pollution Stakeholder Platform and inviting new members to join. 

The platform will enable:  

• Identify and address the social, economic and cultural barriers that are slowing down the transition to zero pollution.
• Facilitate the exchange of views, experiences and best practices.
• Highlight effective strategies, investments, innovations, digital solutions and skills development that support zero pollution.
• Promote international cooperation  

The call for new experts comes halfway towards the2030 zero pollution targets,which can only be achieved if efforts to implement new or revised legislation on air, water, soil, waste, chemicals and nature are stepped up. 

Who can apply?

Organisations with experience in the following areas are encouraged to apply:   

• Pollution prevention and control
• Management of air, noise, water, marine and soil pollution
• Reducing pollution from chemicals, products and waste.
• Pollution governance and implementation
• Funding, investment and infrastructure
• Research, innovation and digitalisation   
• Industry and skills 

The Commission encourages diversity in applications, taking due account of geographical balance, areas of expertise and gender balance.  

The Director-General for the Environment will appoint up to 50 members for a five-year term. The Directorate-General for the Environment will also chair the platform, together with one member of the Committee of the Regions and one member of the European Economic and Social Committee.  

Selected candidates are expected to contribute to the development of a three-year work programme, to be reviewed annually; to attend biannual meetings in Brussels; and to provide expertise and advice to support the implementation of the EU Water Resilience Strategy.  

The first meeting of the renewed Platform is expected to take place in the fourth quarter of 2026. 

Background

The Zero Pollution Stakeholder Platformwas established on 16 December 2021 to support the implementation ofthe Zero Pollution Action Planof 12 May 2021. It comprised 9 flagship initiatives and 33 actions, which are now largely implemented (see the tracker).

Themid-term review of the Zero Pollution Action Plan,carried out on 29 January 2026, identified several new actions and focused on the key factors for their implementation: mainstreaming, investment and innovation. The report also highlights the economic and social benefits of pollution reduction measures.

Businesses, cities and regions are taking the lead to reap benefits such as increased productivity and better harvests. Companies and regions that invest in green technologies can dominate high-growth emerging markets.

More information: European Commission.