"The Blue economy is alive and well on the Atlantic seaboard. Today we celebrate researchers, public bodies, entrepreneurs and innovators. From Ireland, Spain, Portugal, France or the UK we celebrate their progress in turning the Atlantic Strategy and Action Plan into real projects on the ground. And we give credit where credit is due, highlighting some of the most successful actions stimulating the blue economy," said Commissioner Vella.

The Atlantic Strategy and the related Action Plan are part of the European Commission’s commitment to promote maritime activities in the Atlantic. They aim to encourage joint projects and cross-border cooperation between the EU's five Atlantic Member States: France, Ireland, Portugal, Spain, and the UK.

Today's conference focused on "Promoting entrepreneurship and innovation". Its stakeholder-led workshops and match-making activities provided the 400 participants a platform to share expertise, and to identify project ideas and cooperation opportunities. Areas covered included maritime safety and security, climate change, sustainable management of marine resources, and the exploitation of the Atlantic area’s renewable energy potential.

In addition, the first ever "Atlantic Project Awards" ceremony showcased some of the best work carried out under the umbrella of the Atlantic Strategy at international, regional and national level. Winners were announced in five categories:

• Entrepreneurship & innovation: Atlantic Blue Tech – Enhancing the Blue Bioresources Niche of Excellence – project implemented by Technopôle Brest Iroise
• Atlantic Marine and coastal environment: Platform for improving maritime coastal pollution preparedness and response in Atlantic regions – project implemented by Centro Tecnológico del Mar – Fundación CETM
• Accessibility and connectivity: BATTERIE – Better Accessible Transport to Encourage Robust Intermodal Enterprise – project implemented by Action Renewables
• Sustainability: Atlantic Power Cluster –project implemented by SODERCAN Regional Development Agency of Cantabria
• International Cooperation: a special award was given to the Atlantic Ocean Research Alliance - Coordination and Support Action (AORA-CSA)

The conference was also attended by the Irish Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Michael Creed T.D, by Member of the European Parliament Deirdre Clune, and by the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Brendan Carr.