European halal congress focuses on regulation and growth

The Third European Halal Congress opened in Sarajevo on June 16th, bringing together participants from 22 countries to explore the future of halal industry standardisation, regulation, and cross-border cooperation.

The two-day event, organised by the Agency for Halal Quality Certification of the Islamic Community in Bosnia and Herzegovina, featured seven sessions focused on halal certification, Islamic finance, food technologies, sustainable production, and market dynamics.

According to Damir Alihodžić, head of the organising committee, the congress aims to foster greater alignment between religious principles and contemporary industrial practices and to position Europe as an active contributor to the global halal economy.

Speakers and delegates from Malaysia, Thailand, Turkey, the UAE, the United Kingdom, Singapore, and Germany addressed themes such as halal compliance in medicine, haram substance analysis, hygiene protocols, and ethical manufacturing practices.

The programme also included discussions on aligning halal certification with international legal and scientific standards and on fostering transparent and accountable halal systems.

According to the organisers, the halal food industry, valued at more than $2 trillion globally, is undergoing significant transformation, driven by changing consumer expectations, advances in food technology, and regulatory shifts.