Inspired by the European Ocean Pact, the week-long event created a space for dialogue across communities and sectors, helping shape Europe’s response to the challenges facing our seas.

Several EU funding programmes managed by CINEA support the ideas and solutions discussed during the week. Several projects – funded under Mission Ocean (Horizon Europe), the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF), and other programmes – help implement policy objectives on the ground, from improving ocean knowledge and developing new skills to protecting our ocean and supporting investment in the sustainable blue economy.

A new initiative to observe the ocean

A highlight of the week was the introduction by President Ursula von der Leyen of OceanEye, a new initiative aimed at strengthening Europe’s capacity to observe the ocean. By gathering crucial data on the state of the ocean, the initiative will help improve our understanding of marine ecosystems and support efforts to mitigate the impacts of climate change.

CINEA contributes actively to this effort through the European Marine Observation and Data Network (EMODnet), the development of a digital platform for ocean observation and a wide range of studies and projects.

Building the blue skills of tomorrow

Skills for the ocean economy were also high on the agenda. Several blue careers projects funded under EMFAF took part in a dedicated session on blue skills, sharing their work to train the next generation of professionals for ocean-related sectors.

These projects were also present at the interactive ‘marketplace’ exhibition area, where participants could meet project teams, discover innovative training approaches and explore ocean literacy initiatives, like EU4Ocean.

The projects highlighted the future of blue skills in this short video.

Investing in ocean innovation

Another key moment of the week was BlueInvest Day, an initiative funded by EMFAF that connects innovative companies with investors. The event showcased promising ocean-based solutions and helped businesses gain visibility, funding opportunities and valuable contacts to grow in the sustainable blue economy.

Mission Ocean in action

Mission Ocean and Waters activities also featured prominently throughout the week. The 6th EU Blue Parks Community Workshop hosted an open dialogue on how the EU Blue Parks initiative can accelerate progress towards the Mission’s objectives. Regions, cities, ports and islands, together with public authorities and research organisations, highlighted the importance of turning existing knowledge and tools into concrete action to meet Europe’s marine protection and restoration targets.

Momentum continued with the 4th Mission Ocean and Waters Forum. Today, 81 Mission Ocean and Waters projects are up and running, testing and demonstrating solutions at more than 345 sites across Europe’s four sea basins. Supported by €600 million in Horizon Europe funding and involving more than 80 associated regions, these projects deliver practical solutions to protect and restore aquatic ecosystems where it matters most.

At the exhibition’s Forum, 34 of these initiatives came to Brussels to showcase how innovation is already helping to transform Europe’s oceans and waters by protecting and restoring marine and freshwater ecosystems, preventing pollution and advancing a climate-neutral, circular blue economy.

Looking ahead

By bringing together ideas, expertise and partnerships, the event was the occasion to discuss concrete actions supporting the implementation of the European Ocean Pact. CINEA will continue to support this momentum and will be back next year to keep the conversation going.