On 26 May 2023, the European Commission launched the European Blue Forum to foster dialogue among all sea users, including offshore operators, stakeholders and scientists engaged in fisheries, aquaculture, shipping, tourism, renewable energy and other activities at sea.
The objective of the European Blue Forum is to develop synergies between maritime activities and reconcile the various uses of the sea.
It is a fact that the development of a sustainable blue economy must strike a balance between the needs of the increasing number of activities at sea and their use of maritime space, while preserving the marine environment.
More than 150 people attended the launch event of the European Blue Forum in Océanopolis, Brest, and around 250 joined the meeting online. The event brought together a very large array of participants, including government officials, fishers’ representatives, researchers, industry leaders, civil society representatives and coastal communities.
Looking back at the launch event: discussion and knowledge sharing
The launch event offered a tasty preview of how this new community of practice will work in the future.
Based on background papers, each panel discussion focused on one burning question that we have to address as part of the development of a sustainable blue economy in Europe.