European Ocean Days and developing the blue economy 

The European Ocean Days 2025, held in Brussels from 3-7 March, focused on preserving marine ecosystems and promoting the blue economy. With over 1,800 attendees, the event featured 14 sessions covering EU missions such as Restore our Ocean and Waters, blue innovation and investment. It also contributed to shaping key policies such as the European Ocean Pact and the European Water Resilience Strategy. The event highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts to protect the ocean, enhance water management and boost the blue economy, ultimately working towards a sustainable future. Stakeholders engaged in discussions, sharing ideas to improve governance and policy implementation.  

However, some attendees of the Ocean Days event left sceptical about the degree of meaningful implementation resulting from such gatherings. It is important to translate high level discussions with European ocean leaders into practical tools and mechanisms that can result in noticeable change. 

One of the major policy discussions at the event focused on the European Water Resilience Strategy to address escalating water stress. This topic is prescient given that half of Europe's river basins expected to face shortages by 2030. While the Water Framework Directive (WFD) exists, poor enforcement has hindered progress. Recent EU efforts include the Water Resilience Initiative, a European Parliament report urging water integration into policies and a Knowledge Innovation Community launching in 2026. Financing remains a challenge, with an estimated €63bn ($68bn) in annual investment, but a proposed dedicated fund could bridge gaps. The EU’s leadership in water resilience could shape global policies for sustainable resource management and climate adaptation. 

The thriving Blue Economy of Europe offers social as well as financial benefit. Turning Blue, an EU-funded project, is one example of its potential. The scheme helps young former inmates find employment in Europe’s blue economy, addressing both labour shortages and high reoffending rates. Operating in Portugal, the Netherlands, Romania, Cyprus and Italy, the initiative provides training, mentorship and employer connections in industries such as aquaculture and coastal tourism. Many young offenders struggle to secure jobs due to stigma and lack of life skills, making reintegration difficult. Through VR experiences, industry talks and hands-on guidance, the programme introduces new career paths, aiming to break the cycle of recidivism. Project leader Rita Lourenço emphasised the need for second chances, urging society to create real opportunities for rehabilitation and long-term employment. 

A recent study in nature examines sustainable marine development in 15 EU coastal countries from 2012 to 2022, assessing weak and strong sustainability in the blue economy. Using Sustainable Development Goal 14 indicators, it evaluated national progress in balancing economic growth with environmental preservation. Findings show that while seven countries achieved both weak and strong sustainability, seven progressed only under weak sustainability and one made no progress. The report highlights challenges in policy enforcement, data limitations and financial constraints in achieving ocean health. Estonia, Lithuania and Poland led in sustainable progress, while the Netherlands lagged. The study highlights the need for more comprehensive data, balanced sustainability measures and stronger governance to ensure equitable and lasting marine economic development. 

The European Ocean Pact proposes a comprehensive framework integrating environmental sustainability, economic growth and maritime security. It emphasises restoring marine ecosystems, protecting biodiversity through Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), tackling marine pollution and strengthening enforcement of the Water Framework and Marine Strategy Directives. The Pact supports the blue economy by promoting decarbonisation in shipping, expanding offshore wind and blue carbon projects and ensuring a fair transition for fisheries and aquaculture. It also enhances maritime security by protecting submarine cables, monitoring illegal fishing and strengthening EU naval and coast guard capabilities. Key initiatives include the  Green Ports Initiative, harmonised maritime spatial planning and international agreements on sustainable fisheries and plastic waste reduction. A roadmap and mid-term assessment will ensure progress. 

Press release about the report 

What/ how can I link to Ocean 14’s portfolio? 

Nature study: Strong versus weak sustainable development in the blue economy: a study of 15 EU coastal countries 

At the beginning of the month, the European Ocean Days event took place. We can discuss the topics covered including: 

• The blue economy - EU blue innovation and investment 

• The EU Mission ‘Restore our Ocean and Waters’ 

• Two upcoming EU policies – the European Ocean Pact and the European Water Resilience Strategy 

• An ambitious goal to strictly protect at least 10% of EU sea areas by 2030, up from the current 0.03%. 

• Renew Europe Oceans Pact 

We can finish by looking at Renew Europe’s new European Oceans Pact. The centrist political group recently released a roadmap calling on the European Commission “to boost the blue economy by investing in sustainable fisheries, maritime transport decarbonisation and marine renewable energy projects.”