European Ocean Days returns to Brussels this week, with focus on ocean pact and blue economy

The third edition of European Ocean Days is taking place in Brussels this week, convening EU officials, industry representatives, researchers and civil society for five days of discussions centred on the European Ocean Pact and the blue economy.

Kicking off today and running until 6 March, the week of events will welcome representatives from fisheries and aquaculture, blue economy start-ups, investors, coastal communities and youth organisations, and is, according to organisers the European Commission, "designed to encourage participants to engage across topics and contribute to a shared vision for the prosperity, competitiveness, security and sustainability of our ocean."

Formally opened this morning by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Fisheries and Oceans Commissioner Costas Kadis, today's sessions focus on the European Ocean Pact, the EU's initiative aiming to provide a single strategic framework for EU ocean-related policies, from maritime industry and ports to tourism and marine environmental protection.

Subsequent meetings over the next few days will look at different aspects of EU ocean governance, covering ocean observation and marine data systems, including the European Digital Twin Ocean, and considering how this can support environmental monitoring and decision-making.

Investment and innovation are also high on the agenda, with the annual BlueInvest gathering being held alongside the main programme, including an investor-focused first day followed by a “Deal Day” showcasing companies developing new solutions for the blue economy.

Fisheries and aquaculture also feature prominently in the midweek programme. A dedicated session on Wednesday will feed into the forthcoming Vision 2040 strategy, which is expected to set out the long-term direction for a competitive and resilient EU fisheries and aquaculture sector. The event coincides with the launch of a public call for evidence to gather input on this strategy.

Other interconencted themes covered during the week of events include maritime security, international ocean governance, support for coastal communities and the next phase of the Mission “Restore our Ocean and Waters”. The week concludes on Friday with discussions on an upcoming EU strategy for coastal communities and a closing networking session.

The full programme, with some of the sessions available via livestream, is available via the Europe Ocean Days website.