EU4Ocean at Macro-regional & Sea Basin Strategies Days 2026

The year 2026 will be shaped by further orientations of the new European Commission and by early signals emerging from negotiations on the post-2027 programming period and the future Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF). These initial developments point towards an increased emphasis on security, resilience, competitiveness, enlargement, and place-based delivery of EU priorities, against a backdrop of persistent geopolitical instability, climate pressures, and socio-economic transformation.

Macro-regional and Sea Basin Strategies operate at the intersection of these dynamics. Their flexible, multi-sectoral, and cooperative nature allows them to accompany evolving EU priorities and to provide frameworks for coordination across borders, governance levels, and policy domains. In 2026, the Macro-regional and Sea Basin Strategies Days will build on these reflections by offering space to take stock of ongoing developments, exchange perspectives on emerging policy directions, and explore how the Strategies can continue to position themselves in view of post-2027 programming. The event will provide a platform to reflect on challenges and opportunities ahead, and to support dialogue on how Macro-regional and Sea Basin Strategies can remain relevant and responsive to EU instruments for territories, citizens and stakeholders in the years to come.

The EU4Ocean Coalition will be present with a stand in the exhibition area, showcasing the work of its three communities and the opportunities offered to its members. In addition, several Youth4Ocean Forum members will be attending the sessions, bringing valuable insights from the point of view of young ocean advocates.