How can the blue economy drive sustainable development in the western Mediterranean? More than 200 participants and 70 panellists from Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, Malta, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco and Mauritania will meet in Barcelona, Spain on 2 February 2017 to discuss the challenges and emerging opportunities for sustainable investment and job creation in the region's blue economy.

A new study for the European Commission compiles data and information on fisheries subsidies within six of the world's major fishing countries: Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, China, Russia and the United States.

Preparations for the EMD 2017 Conference in Poole, UK (18 & 19 May 2017) are in full swing. Following our call to maritime stakeholders launched last fall, we have received 50 proposals for workshops and project pitches under the following headings: 1) Innovation & Growth, 2) People & Skills, 3) Safety & Security, 4) Sustainability & Governance. Selected stakeholder workshops will be part of an attractive programme that we are currently putting together and which will be announced soon.

Baltic SCOPE unites national authorities around the Baltic Sea responsible for maritime spatial planning, and is supported by four research and regional organisations.

Ten blue growth projects are to receive grants under the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) as part of the 'Blue Careers' and 'Blue Labs' calls for proposals. In total, 125 proposals were evaluated by the Executive Agency for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (EASME) which manages the projects.

Commissioner Vella is travelling to Tromsø, Norway, to attend the Arctic Frontiers conference, one of the biggest Arctic gatherings of the year. The Commissioner's attendance is preparation for a midsummer arctic showcase of EU commitment to the region. That event will take place on 15-16 June in Finland and is designed to promote action to protect and support sustainable development in the region and the 4 million who live there.

The economic performance of the EU fleet improved significantly again in 2014, according to the latest Annual Economic Report. Between 2008 and 2014, the EU fleet moved from a loss-making position in 2008 to registering record-high net profits of €770 million in 2014 – up from €500 million in 2013. Forecasts for 2016 remain positive.