The Biomass Magazine website reports that the University of Florence, the European Biodiesel Board, and some major stakeholders in the European Union's (EU) algae sector, have announced the launching of the European Algae Biomass Association (EABA). A General Assembly meeting is planned early June this year. The EABA aims to "foster synergies among science and industry, while cooperating with decision makers for the promotion of development in research and technology in the field of algae". There is continued interest in algae and aquatic biomass from the academic, industrial and governmental sectors, due to its potentially "wide range of third-generation low-carbon applications in the field of renewable energies, biofuels (including jet fuels), nutrients, pharmaceuticals, animal feed or biobased products (bioplastics, biocosmetics, etc.)". The EABA hopes to support the efforts of the various stakeholders, toward the realization of a sustainable algal industry, as Europe faces the challenges to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to improve energy supply security. More information can be obtained from the EABA website (URL above)..