Second Black Sea Stakeholder Conference, 24 March 2015 in Sofia, Bulgaria

Second Black Sea Stakeholder Conference

Smart and Blue – new opportunities for the blue economy in the Black Sea

Supporting maritime business growth

Capitalising on the success of the first edition of the Stakeholder conference held in Bucharest on 30 January 2014, this year the forum will team up with maritime practitioners and entrepreneurs of the Black Sea to discuss how they can achieve their maximum potential, and generate sustainable economic and social benefits in the coastal areas.

To this effect, dedicated working sessions will seek ideas on:

• how to better connect maritime businesses,
• how to diversify and improve tourism offer in the coastal areas,
• where research can shape business and vice versa,
• how to reduce conflicts for space when developing maritime activities,
• how to use the sea in a sustainable manner.

Key speakers will include Mr Karmenu Vella, Commissioner for Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries and Mr Ivaylo Moskovski, Minister for Transport, Information Technology and Communications of Bulgaria.

The event will affirm European Commission's committment to work collectively and in partnership with the Black Sea countries to support a blue and sustainable economy in the region and to maximase marine and maritime cooperation across all bordering states.

Please check regularly the webpage of the event for latest news and conference agenda. https://ec.europa.eu/maritimeaffairs/events/2015/03/events_20150324_01_en.htm