Europe’s sea basins share common challenges that require coordinated action across regions. To address this, the European Union supports sea-basin strategies covering the Atlantic Maritime Strategy, the WestMED initiative (WestMED), the Common Maritime Agenda for the Black Sea, and the Greater North Sea Basin Initiative, providing a framework for cooperation between countries, sectors and stakeholders.
This new video illustrates how these strategies are strengthening cooperation, aligning priorities and turning them into concrete action. It showcases examples from across Europe, demonstrating how innovation and partnership are supporting the transition towards a sustainable and competitive blue economy:
- In the Atlantic, AquaWind project, which combines aquaculture with offshore renewable energy, opening new opportunities for the use of marine space
- In the Black Sea, BlackNETs project, addresses marine pollution by removing lost and abandoned fishing nets, working closely with fishers and scientists.
- In the North Sea, basin-level cooperation helps optimise the use of shared sea space while protecting marine ecosystems.
- In the WestMED, 2B-BLUE project boosts innovation in blue biotechnology through five interactive hubs that connect scientific research, training, and businesses.
From protecting marine ecosystems to supporting coastal communities, these initiatives reflect a shared commitment to responsible ocean management and long-term resilience. By working together, stakeholders are unlocking new opportunities while advancing the goals of the European Ocean Pact.