The MakeEUBlue Award is accessible to both individuals and organisations. Priority will be given to the members of the different EU4Ocean communities (the EU4Ocean platform, the Youth4Ocean Forum and the EU network of Blue Schools) or initiatives where at least one individual or organisation is registered or applied to be a member of one of these communities. (make a hyperlink to memberships)

Only completed or ongoing projects and initiatives for which results are already visible can compete.

The winners are to be announced at the European Maritime Day, which this year takes place on 24 - 25 May in Brest, France.

The leading award is given to the initiative that best responded to the different criteria aligning with the EU4Ocean philosophy, in line with the Challenge of the year's principles, mobilising in particular organisations from the various communities of the EU4Ocean coalition - with three main winners chosen as navy blue, classic blue and sky blue.

In addition to these awards, it is proposed to award four "special mentions":

• Best professional organisation initiative
• Best youth initiative
• Best education & school initiative
• Best individual Blue School

The winners will benefit from multiple prizes, which will be presented at EMD2023, consisting of an official award certificate signed by the EU4Ocean Consortium and DG MARE, a handmade ocean-themed trophy and a financial reward.

What are we looking for?

The long-term value of ocean literacy initiatives that have:

• A central objective of social learning and the development of critical thinking
• High sustainability and replication potential
• An EU focus with clear societal and policy relevance
• A robust collective dimension and a catalytic role
• An innovative character
• A scientific quality and coherence supporting mutual learning

Keep an eye on the most important details!

• 1 May 2023: Deadline for submission
• 5 May 2023: start of public voting, Projects are showcased on the EU Maritime Forum website and publicised through EU4Ocean consortium members' social media platforms.
• 13 May 2023: End of public voting
• 15 May 2023: Short-listed candidates are informed.
• 19 May 2023: The final winners in the different award categories are selected by the jury, accounting for the public voting results.
• 25 May 2023: Awards distribution ceremony at EMD2023.