Halal Congress in Europe Targets Regulation and Market Growth

The Third European Halal Congress, held on June 16-17, 2025, in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, gathered over 150 experts from 22 countries to propel the global halal industry, with a strong focus on regulation, certification, and market expansion. Hosted by the Agency for Halal Quality Certification of the Islamic Community in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the two-day event featured seven thematic sessions, 25 presentations, and interactive workshops, addressing critical areas such as halal certification standards, advanced food and beverage processing technologies, Islamic finance, sustainable development, and evolving consumer trends in the halal ecosystem.

Key discussions highlighted the need for standardized halal compliance across sectors like pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food, emphasizing rigorous hygiene protocols, haram substance detection, and ethical production aligned with Islamic principles. Experts explored blockchain technology for supply chain transparency and AI-driven tools for certification verification. Delegates from Malaysia, Thailand, Turkey, UAE, UK, Singapore, Germany, France, Netherlands, Austria, and Bosnia stressed harmonizing global halal standards to meet international regulatory requirements while maintaining religious integrity. Notable speakers included Dr. Mustafa Aydın from Turkey’s Halal Accreditation Agency (HAK), who discussed accreditation challenges, and Dr. Aishah Binti Ahmad from Malaysia, who presented on sustainable halal practices.

Damir Alihodzic, head of the organizing committee, described the congress as a pivotal platform for uniting scientists, industry leaders, policymakers, and certification bodies to foster innovation and collaboration. The event underscored Europe’s rising prominence in the USD 2 trillion global halal market, driven by technological advancements, growing Muslim populations, and increasing non-Muslim consumer interest in halal products for their ethical and quality attributes. Panels also addressed the economic potential of halal tourism and Islamic finance, with Bosnia positioning itself as a halal-friendly destination. The congress concluded with a call for a unified European halal framework to boost market competitiveness and consumer trust.