Over the past four years, the vital role of seas, rivers, islands and coastal areas has gained significant importance in EU actions to address the environmental, climate and energy crises. While the European Green Deal sets a package of policy initiatives, targets and legislation to engage the EU on the path of green transition, the European Commission proposed a new vision for the transformation of the maritime economic sectors, paving the way for a transition towards a sustainable Blue Economy.

Within its third mandate, the SEArica Intergroup has contributed to the political debate on the maritime dimension of strategic EU policies. Shedding light on the proposals of the SEArica members for an enhanced consideration of maritime issues at EU and international level, the SEArica Intergroup has provided an engaging platform for cross-sectoral dialogues and has voiced specific EU sea-basin challenges and realities.

With the parliamentary term coming to an end, and in light of the European Ocean Days 2024, this Final Conference, hosted by MEP Tonino Picula, SEArica Chair, aims at reflecting on past maritime achievements and on the next generation of EU maritime policies.