EMD 2024 will be a focal point for "Ocean Leaders" to meet, discuss, and promote partnerships aimed at tackling challenges and seizing opportunities within the sustainable blue economy.

In May 2021, the European Commission adopted a Sustainable Blue Economy agenda, aligning with the European Green Deal. At EMD 2024 progress will be assessed and discussions will focus on the EU Sea Basin Strategies' role. The High – Level Panel taking place on May 30 from 10:00 to 11:30 will spotlight their contribution to the Sustainable Blue Economy framework and outline future policy directions. The Presidencies of the Atlantic, Black Sea, and Western Mediterranean Strategies will discuss the added value of EU sea basins collaborative work, including through greater overall synergies and coordination, in a session moderated by Charlina Vitcheva, Director General of DG MARE.

Furthermore, on the same day, from 15:00 to 16:15, a workshop led by the Sea Basins Assistance Mechanism (Black Sea, WestMED, and Atlantic) will present synergies among EU "blue" initiatives. This workshop will explore how the three sea basin strategies can further enhance an effective cooperation with some strategic initiatives promoted by the EU in the ‘cross-cutting’ areas of research and innovation, ocean literacy and green energy transition. The workshops will allow to share the main activities and results achieved so far in those areas and then will look ahead to identify a number of concrete actions for further cooperation– also by building upon the results of the High-Level Panel 1 held during the morning. The outcomes of this workshop will allow to establish concrete roadmaps for cooperation amongst the initiatives in the year ahead. Speakers from EU4OCEAN, Sustainable Blue Economy Partnerships, and the Energy Transition Partnership will shed light on collaborative pathways for sustainable maritime economy development.

EMD serves as an interactive platform that brings together professionals from diverse sectors, such as businesses, governments, NGOs, academia, and EU citizens. Through discussions, workshops, and pitch sessions, stakeholders shape the maritime agenda.

Read more of the EMD 2024 by visiting this link and make sure you register before May 15 here.