European Ocean Days: uniting blue communities for change
Welcome to the sixth edition of the Mission Ocean and Waters newsletter, celebrating World Water Day on March 22, a global occasion to highlight the crucial role of freshwater in our ecosystems and communities.
In this issue, we dive into the thriving discussions from the European Ocean Days, held in Brussels from 3–7 March. This impactful week brought together a diverse group of stakeholders to address pressing ocean and water challenges and contribute to shaping the future of some upcoming EU policies and initiatives. Highlights included the 3rd Annual Forum of the EU Mission 'Restore our Ocean and Waters' and the 4th EU Blue Parks Community workshop, which focused on strict protection in European seas. The week served as strong evidence of collective action, reinforcing Europe's commitment to a sustainable and resilient blue future.
We also bring you the most recently available funding opportunities, upcoming events, and exciting updates on the Mission Charter. For further resources, don't forget to visit the Mission Ocean and Waters Service Portal.
News
Key takeaways from the 3rd Annual Forum of the EU Mission Restore our Ocean and Waters
The 3rd Mission Ocean and Waters Forum celebrated the Mission's progress and achievements, highlighting cutting-edge research and innovative solutions developed to support its goals. It amplified the voices of the diverse communities involved and provided a platform to discuss the strategic steps needed to reach the 2030 Mission targets.
A week of dialogue, innovation, and action: European Ocean Days 2025
Blue communities came together for a series of engaging sessions to exchange ideas and tackle the challenges ahead of ocean conservation and sustainability. From research and innovation to academia and youth, diverse voices engaged in meaningful discussions on key ocean topics, shaping Europe's strategies to strengthen and protect its marine ecosystems.
Exhibiting innovation: breakthrough solutions at the 3rd Mission Forum
At the Forum, attendees had the chance to explore groundbreaking innovations from Mission Ocean and Waters-funded projects at an on-site exhibition, showcasing solutions ranging from pollution prevention to blue literacy and marine protection.
BlueInvest Day 2025: How can the EU blue economy drive competitiveness and attract private investment?
Day 2 of BlueInvest 2025 opened with a clear focus on Europe's growing ambition for the blue economy, highlighting the role of Mission Ocean in building a strong pipeline of investment-ready projects. Discussions centered on the Ocean Pact, the success of Blue Champions, and the urgent need to close the funding gap to help innovative companies scale and drive sustainable growth.
