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1.1 Understanding the rationale and objectives of the OPTIMA project
1.1.2 Understand the importance of communication between EU countries to increase the value of bivalve mollusc’s aquaculture.
Effective communication between EU countries is crucial to enhance the development of bivalve mollusc aquaculture. It enables the exchange of knowledge, research outcomes, and best practices, leading to improved production efficiency, environmental sustainability, and product quality. Furthermore, international collaboration supports the harmonization of regulations and strengthens the resilience and competitiveness of the European aquaculture sector. International cooperation also plays a fundamental role in addressing structural challenges within the sector, such as regulatory fragmentation and uneven levels of development among Member States. EU policy frameworks, including coordinated approaches like the Open Method of Coordination (OMC), explicitly rely on the exchange of good practices and joint strategic planning to improve competitiveness and create a level playing field for operators. Furthermore, collaboration at the European level supports the coordination of standards, regulations and training systems, which is essential for ensuring product quality, food safety, and market integration. This is particularly relevant in a sector where growth is often constrained by regulatory complexity and limited access to suitable production sites, requiring organized policy and innovation efforts.