After the successful editions of the Blue Growth calls in 2016 and 2017, this year the call will have an even larger budget. For this year's call, more than 18 million euros will be allocated, bringing the total budget to well over 40 million, in just three years. The focus of Blue Economy call 2018 will be on three key areas of the maritime economy: Blue Careers, Blue Labs, and grants for the blue economy.

The 'Blue careers' recognise that the labour market is changing quickly and put the emphasis on entrepreneurial and social skills. As part of the 'Blue labs' multidisciplinary partnerships between young scientists and experienced mentors will be supported, which has before led to innovations such as microbes cleaning up oil spills and drones fighting marine litter.

The largest in terms of budget are the grants for innovation in the maritime economy which will help companies to fund pre-commercial demonstration projects, so they can go to market and scale up much faster. The Blue economy call is a recognition that we need to continue investing to ensure healthy oceans which would become part of our economy supporting jobs and growth.

More information

Speech by Commissioner Vella

Information day on the new Blue Economy call - 22 November 2018