Verimpact was pleased to participate in European Maritime Day 2026 (EMD2026), held on 21–22 May in Limassol, Cyprus, bringing together policymakers, researchers, industry leaders, innovators, and civil society representatives from across Europe to discuss the future of the blue economy and sustainable maritime development.
Verimpact contributed to discussions and exchanges on some of the most pressing challenges and opportunities facing Europe’s maritime sector, including ocean governance, fisheries and aquaculture, energy transition, maritime security, and sustainable blue value chains.
Mrs. Clio Kenterelidou, Mr. Spyros Protopsaltis, Secretary General, Ministry of Rural Development and Food
The two-day event highlighted the European Union’s growing ambition to place the ocean at the center of its sustainability agenda.
Among the key takeaways:
- The European Ocean Pact is emerging as a flagship European Commission initiative, reinforcing the strategic importance of ocean protection, sustainable blue growth, maritime resilience, and innovation.
- Future EU funding frameworks are expected to provide greater flexibility and responsibility to Member States while prioritizing investments in the green transition, decarbonization of shipping, blue biotechnology, and sustainable blue value chains.
- The European Commission is developing a Vision 2040 for Fisheries and Aquaculture, addressing long-term challenges related to climate change, demographic trends, food security, market dynamics, financing, and geopolitical developments.
- The forthcoming Ocean Eye initiative aims to significantly enhance Europe’s ocean knowledge by integrating fragmented datasets and strengthening cooperation in ocean observation, protection, and management, contributing to global ocean monitoring efforts.
- Maritime security remains a strategic priority, with increasing cooperation among European agencies and stakeholders to safeguard Europe’s maritime domain.
As Europe accelerates its transition towards a sustainable blue economy, Verimpact remains committed to supporting initiatives that connect sustainability, policy, innovation, and investment to deliver tangible environmental, social, and economic impact.
We thank the organizers, partners, and participants of EMD2026 for two inspiring days of dialogue, collaboration, and shared commitment to the future of Europe’s seas and oceans.
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