European Ocean Days

Ocean literacy and Blue Skills for the Future (9h-18h CET, SPARKS)

The future of our ocean lies significantly in the hands of the next generation, not only as informed citizens but also as skilled professionals driving the sustainable blue economy. This session will advance ocean literacy and foster blue skills development to prepare young people as future ocean workers and leaders. It will feature a series of panel discussions with young ambassadors, including ocean advocates, youth leaders, early career ocean professionals (ECOPs), Blue Schools representatives, and water sports influencers.

BlueInvest Day 1 - Investor Day (14h-20h CET, Royal Library)

As the annual flagship event of the BlueInvest Platform, BlueInvest Day 2026 will spotlight investment and innovation in the blue economy. Day 1 is reserved exclusively for investors, offering a premium environment for private networking and peer exchange. Participants will engage in high-impact capacity-building workshops and closed-door sessions designed to cultivate strategic relationships, share market intelligence, and unlock new investment opportunities. This is your gateway to connect with fellow investors, exchange perspectives, and shape future collaborations in a focused, confidential setting.

Marine Knowledge for Ocean Health (9h-12h30 CET, SPARKS)

As our ocean faces increasing threats, the European Ocean Pact reminds us of our shared responsibility to protect these vital ecosystems. Understanding and addressing the challenges of ocean health requires an efficient ocean observation system, accurate marine data, tailored and science based digital applications. This session will include two insightful panels. The first panel will address the topic of Ocean Observation (OO). Ocean Observation activities are currently very fragmented and uncoordinated, resulting in inefficiencies, limited data and expertise sharing, duplication of work and loss of opportunities. We will discuss with experts from different fields and perspectives how a structured and transparent governance coordination framework for OO would streamline the European Ocean Observing System. This is a paramount to contribute to the protection of the marine environment and therefore to achieve health ocean objectives through the Marine Strategy Framework Directive, the Nature Restoration Regulation and the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction. The second panel will focus on data and digital applications for achieving the Good Environmental Status. Feeding from the reflections of the first panel we will discover how ocean data and applications supported by services and assets like EMODnet, the Copernicus Marine Service, WISE Marine and the European Digital Twin Ocean can support ocean health, paving the way for the restoration, protection and sustainable management of a healthy marine environment.

BlueInvest Day 2 - Deal Day (9h-18h CET, Royal Library)

As the annual flagship event of the BlueInvest Platform, BlueInvest Day 2026 will spotlight investment and innovation in the blue economy. This edition will feature company workshops, and the launch of the next BlueInvest Investor Report, alongside the BlueInvest Awards Pitch Competition, which continues the tradition of showcasing breakthrough companies driving ocean sustainability.  A strong emphasis will be placed on networking and matchmaking, with themed roundtables and interactive formats designed to foster meaningful connections and deal flow between investors and innovators as well as among investors.

Stakeholder Consultation on Ocean R&I Strategy (14h-18h CET, Charlemagne)

The objective of this session is to provide stakeholders with an opportunity to help design the EU Ocean Research and Innovation Strategy in a collaborative and inclusive way and to listen to the views of all stakeholders.  The European Ocean R&I Strategy will be drafted following a comprehensive consultation process involving the Member States and the relevant public and private stakeholders, including research organisations, marine industry and business associations, research infrastructures, NGOs and international organisations.

Sustainable Blue Economy for EU’s Competitiveness: Policy Instruments and Success Stories (9h-12h CET, SPARKS)

The European Ocean Pact puts a strong emphasis on supporting the competitiveness of the EU’s ocean economy, which holds an immense potential for innovation and growth. This session will explore how the EU can support its blue economy in becoming a driver of competitiveness while also acknowledging its environmental responsibility. The discussions will bring together EU policymakers and industry experts to highlight some instruments and initiatives that support blue innovation - from investment tools to targeted programmes helping businesses to market and scale up their technologies. Participants will also hear first-hand testimonials from innovative companies that have succeeded with EU support, presenting concrete inspiring examples of sustainable technological solutions in areas such as ocean observation, maritime transport or aquaculture. Through short speeches, a dynamic panel exchange and an interactive Q&A, the session will offer a lively snapshot of how EU is set to position itself as a global leader in the blue economy - one where competitiveness and sustainability reinforce each other. The insights from the session will also provide valuable inputs for the implementation of the Ocean Pact. 

Vision 2040 for fisheries and aquaculture (14h-18h CET, SPARKS)

2026 is a decisive year for the fisheries and aquaculture sector. The future of European fisheries and aquaculture will be outlined in the Vision 2040, providing an overarching policy direction toward competitive, resilient and sustainable fisheries and aquaculture sectors, including the processing sector. It will be informed by the results of the evaluation of the CFP Regulation as well as a number of other reports, studies and consultations. The success of the Vision undoubtedly depends on the involvement of a broad range of stakeholders at all levels. This is crucial not only to identify challenges and potential solutions, but also to jointly determine where we want these sectors to look like by 2040, what role they should play in the economic, social and environmental fabric, and how this transition can best be achieved. These issues will be addressed during two panel discussions in which a wide variety of stakeholders will debate about: 1) what sustainable competitiveness should look like for fisheries and aquaculture and, 2) how to successfully transition in terms of practical steps and solutions. These two panel discussions will be complemented by a Q&A session with the audience. 

6th EU Blue Parks Community Workshop (14h-18h CET, Charlemagne)

The event will be an open dialogue todiscuss how the EU Blue Park initiative can accelerate the achievements of the Mission Ocean and Waters targets for the next phase and beyond 2030 from a policy perspective. This event will bring together the European Blue Parks Community and will give voice to them to express their views and ideas on the next steps of the European Blue Parks initiative. 

Stakeholder consultation on Water Resilience R&I strategy (14h-18h CET, Charlemagne)

The session aims at presenting the first draft of the Water Resilience Research and Innovation Strategy. During the session, participants will be able to express their views on the proposed strategy and to contribute to its further development.

Mission Ocean and Waters Communities event (9h30-12h30 CET, Charlemagne)

This event will bring together representatives from regions, cities, ports, and islands, including Charter signatories, with the purpose of celebrating the growing community involved in the Mission, highlighting successful projects and the benefits of technical assistance, and discussing future collaboration and deployment strategies. Entering the phase 2 of the Mission focused on deployment, the essential role of local actors in driving real change must be emphasized. While science provides a strong foundation, true success of the projects and the Mission itself depends on the active engagement and ownership of communities. This is the moment for communities to share their experiences and demonstrate their vital contribution.

4^th Mission Ocean and Waters Forum (9h-18h CET, Charlemagne)

The fourth Annual Forum of the Mission “Restore our Ocean and Waters” aims at taking stock of the Mission’s progress and major achievements, at mobilising relevant actors around key Mission deliverables for the deployment phase. The event will showcase innovative solutions developed under the Mission, discuss how key stakeholders, such as the regions, local authorities and the private sectors are involved in implementing the Mission and how different streams of finance are being mobilised to support the scaling and deployment of solutions for reaching the Mission objectives: to protect and restore marine and freshwater ecosystems and biodiversity, boost coastal resilience, eliminate pollution, and make the blue economy climate-neutral and circular. Following the assessment of the Mission, the event will be an opportunity to discuss the strategic focus of the Mission in the years to come and the necessary steps forward. 

EU Diplomacy for a Strategic Approach to Fisheries External Action (9h30-12h CET, SPARKS) 

The session will discuss the EU diplomacy tools that can support the achievement of a strategic approach to fisheries external action. As one of the key initiatives to strengthen international ocean governance, the European Ocean Pact announced the adoption of an EU Strategy for Fisheries External Action in 2026. It also outlined general principles for a more impactful EU Ocean Diplomacy. Discussants and the audience will contribute to the shaping of the fisheries external action by their suggestions on the various diplomatic means that the EU could deploy to support its aims to strengthen global sustainable fisheries governance.

Navigating Maritime Security: Addressing Europe's Critical Challenges Today and Tomorrow  (14-18h CET, SPARKS) 

This session will focus on current and future examples of successful collective efforts to address maritime security challenges, highlighting its prominent role in today's geopolitical landscape. With Europe currently facing a range of maritime security issues—from the activities of shadow fleets to vulnerabilities in critical maritime infrastructure and the strategic development of drone fleet—this session will provide a platform for sharing best practices and identifying future challenges. Through interactive discussions and exchanges, participants will delve into the complexities of maritime security, exploring opportunities for strengthened collaboration to ensure a safer and more secure future for all.

 EU Islands and Coastal Communities (9h30-12h CET, SPARKS)

The European Ocean Pact identifies islands and coastal communities as a key driving force for achieving a healthy ocean and a productive sustainable blue economy. At the same time, islands and coastal communities face a set of unique challenges, including high vulnerability to climate change, economic diversification, and accessibility issues. This session will contribute to the development of the forthcoming EU strategy for the islands and coastal communities that was announced in the European Ocean Pact. It will focus on understanding the key challenges faced by EU coastal communities and explore how island and coastal communities can address these challenges through better planning and implementation of the EU, national and regional policies.

From Actions to Impact: Tracking the Mission's Progress (9h30-12h30 CET, SPARKS)

The aim of the workshop is to discuss available monitoring frameworks and assessments of the impacts of Mission Ocean and Waters activities, at project, lighthouse and EU levels, and discuss the way forward in the context of the Mission’s deployment phase and the funding instruments under the new MFF that can support it (European Competitiveness Fund (ECF), National and Regional Partnership Plans (NRPP)), as well as through national and private investments. This workshop is by invitation.

European Ocean Days Networking session (13h30-17h CET, SPARKS)

To close the week, participants are invited to a networking session celebrating a week of collaboration and unity. This informal gathering will offer a relaxed setting to exchange ideas, connect with fellow participants, and reflect on the week’s discussions, accompanied by light refreshments and good company. It’s the perfect moment to strengthen ties and spark new partnerships for the future of our ocean.