The official launch of the European Blue Forum took place on Friday the 26th of May 2023 at Oceanopolis, Brest, France. We were very happy to welcome Mr. Seamus Kearney as moderator. Official opening words were provided by Director General, Ms Charlena Vitcheva, from DG MARE. She provided a brief background to the birth of the idea of the European Blue Forum, as well as her own hopes and aspirations for its future.   For those of you that missed the event, a recording of the opening session is available!