European Ocean Days

Opening Ceremony (9h00-10h45 CET, SPARKS)

The European Ocean Days opens with an empowering and inspiring opening ceremony featuring an artistic performance and opening remarks from high-level speakers, including the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans Costas Kadis.

The European Ocean Pact: Today and Looking Forward (10h45-12h CET, SPARKS)

The European Ocean Pact sets up a single strategic reference framework for all EU Ocean related policy actions. For the first time, it bundles all EU ocean policies ensuring coherence across all policy areas linked to the ocean. Effective ocean governance is crucial. We need coordinated efforts among governments, industries, scientists, and local communities to adopt sustainable practices and policies that promote long-term ocean health and sustainable economic development. In this high-level panel, representatives from European Commission services proposing ocean-related initiatives under the European Ocean Pact, like the Industrial Maritime Strategy, the EU Ports Strategy, the EU Sustainable Tourism Strategy, the Ocean Observation Initiative, or the revision of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive, will discuss the benefits and challenges of implementing the Pact while looking forward to its potential future impact.

Agenda Opening and Panel on Ocean Pact   Live streaming

Inspiring the Next Generation of Blue Careers (13h30-18h30 CET, SPARKS)

The future of our ocean starts with empowering the next generation to become informed citizens and skilled professionals. This event will explore how blue education, practical skills, and hands-on experiences can prepare young people for meaningful careers in the blue economy. Through engaging panel discussions, policymakers, education and training providers, early-career ocean professionals (ECOPs), and industry leaders will share their journeys and inspire others to take an active role in shaping a sustainable ocean future.

Agenda Blue Careers  Live streaming

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. This year, the Funders Forum 2026 Edition 1 will be hosted during Investor Day, gathering senior leaders from philanthropy, public institutions, and private capital convene to examine capital design, sequencing, and coordination across strategically important bioregions and thematic priorities. The aim is to align public and private capital across risk profiles, in support of a healthy and resilient ocean while sustaining long term economic value and planetary stability.

Agenda BlueInvest Day 1 

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 Ocean Observation would streamline the European Ocean Observing System. This is paramount 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 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.

Agenda Marine Knowledge for Ocean Health  Live streaming

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.

Agenda BlueInvest Day 2   Live streaming

2nd Stakeholder Consultation for the European Ocean Research and Innovation 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.

Agenda 2nd Consultation Ocean R&I Strategy   Live streaming

Sustainable Blue Economy for EU’s Competitiveness: Policy Instruments and Success Stories (8h30-12h30 CET, SPARKS)

The European Ocean Pact puts a strong emphasis on supporting the competitiveness of the EU’s ocean economy and its 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 and investment. Participants will also hear first-hand testimonials from innovative companies, presenting inspiring examples of sustainable blue technology solutions. Through short speeches, a dynamic panel exchange and interactive activities, 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 policy inputs for the implementation of the European Ocean Pact. 

Agenda Sustainable Blue Economy   Live streaming

Towards the Vision 2040 for a thriving fisheries and aquaculture sector (14h-18h CET, SPARKS)

2026 is a decisive year for the fisheries and aquaculture sectors. The future of these sectors will be outlined in the Vision 2040, providing an overarching policy direction toward competitive, resilient and sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, 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 2040 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 a sustainable food system, in the economic and social fabric and in environmental policies, and how this role can best be achieved. These issues will be addressed during two panel discussions in which a wide variety of stakeholders will debate. Scheduled for the second half of 2026, the Vision 2040 will incorporate the outcome of these discussions. 

Agenda Vision 2040 Fisheries & Aquaculture    Live streaming

Together for change: A Coalition to empower communities  for Mission Ocean and Waters (9h00-12h30 CET, Charlemagne)

This event will bring together representatives from regions, cities, ports and islands, alongside all Mission Ocean and Waters communities and Mission Charter signatories, to celebrate and strengthen the growing community for the Mission. As the Mission enters its second phase, focused on large-scale deployment, the essential role of local actors comes into sharper focus. The event will spotlight the communities active across the four Mission Lighthouse sea and river basins, showcasing successful  initiatives, exploring the value of different forms of support and technical assistance, discussing lessons learnt and remaining needs, and generating further actions. The session will be co-organised by the European Commission and CO-WATERS, the Coordination and Support Action implementing the Coalition of cities, regions, islands and ports for the Mission Ocean and Waters. 

Agenda Together for a Change    Live streaming

6th EU Blue Parks Community Workshop - Open dialogue: Next steps for the European Blue Parks initiative (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.

Agenda Blue Parks Workshop   Live streaming

Stakeholder consultation on Water Resilience Research and Innovation Strategy (14h-18h CET, Charlemagne)

The session will be the first stakeholder consultation event to gather input for Water Resilience Research and Innovation Strategy. The session will consist of 3 panel discussions addressing the following topics 1) Tackling knowledge gaps and capacity to develop solutions to restore and protect the water cycle 2) Developing a water smart economy and 3) Addressing tools for boosting the uptake of emerging innovative solutions. During the session, attendees will have the opportunity to share their perspectives and contribute to the development of the proposed strategy. 

Agenda Consultation Water Resilience R&I   Live streaming

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. 

Agenda 4th Mission Ocean and Waters Forum Live streaming

Strengthening EU diplomacy for International Ocean Governance and Sustainable Fisheries (9h30-12h30 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.

Agenda EU Diplomacy for International Ocean Governance   Live streaming

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

The aim of this session is to present the current state of maritime security from the EU perspective, while addressing the current and future challenges that must be tackled to safeguard the EU’s maritime security interests, and our citizens and economic activities at sea. This event will delve into key issues such as the resilience and protection of critical maritime infrastructures (CMI), tackling shadow fleet activities, coast guard cooperation, Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) with a focus on the Common Information Sharing Environment (CISE), and the integration of unmanned capabilities and technology. Furthermore, these topics will be examined in the context of the Ocean Pact and the European Maritime Security Strategy, highlighting their relevance to both policy-making and practical implementation. By bringing together experts from the policy domain and field operations, the event seeks to forge a comprehensive and holistic framework—a blend of regulatory insight and practical experience.

Agenda Maritime Security   Live streaming

Towards an EU Strategy for Coastal Communities (9h30-12h CET, SPARKS)

EU coastal communities have significant potential for sustainable development but also face challenges like climate change, socio-economic vulnerabilities, and accessibility issues. The European Ocean Pact highlights the need for enhanced support for these areas and their communities. Cohesion policy, maritime policies, the common fisheries policy, among others, support the wellbeing of these areas, including by investing in infrastructure, the blue economy sectors, renewable energy, and digital connectivity. The European Commission, through DG MARE services therefore plans to adopt a comprehensive Strategy for coastal communities in 2026. This session is a step towards developing the Strategy for coastal communities together with stakeholders. The European Commission invites stakeholders to share best practices, identify challenges, and explore opportunities to increase support on all levels to further unlock the potential of these regions.

Agenda EU Strategy for Coastal Communities   Live streaming

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.

Agenda From Actions to Impact   

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.