European Commission and public-private partnership create the European Sustainable Blue Economy Partnership
The European Blue Economy Sustainable Association (EBESA) has begun its activities in Rome, with the goal of uniting efforts and resources to promote sustainable blue economy in Europe.
The association, coordinated by the Italian Ministry of Universities and Research, includes a network of 60 partners from 25 countries and the European Commission. The launch meeting will be held from January 23rd to 25th in Rome, aiming to discuss and showcase planned activities.
With the launch of the first joint proposal call approaching in February 2023, the association will launch an unprecedented effort to bring together investments in research and innovation and align national programs at a pan-European level.
It is expected that the investments planned over 7 years will reach 450 million euros. The association will actively seek engagement by launching, implementing and monitoring six co-funded calls for research and innovation proposals over seven years.
In summary, the European Blue Economy Sustainable Association is a unique opportunity to promote sustainability and innovation in Europe’s maritime and coastal sectors.
These calls will focus on five specific areas of intervention: digitalization and automation of the blue economy, protection and sustainable use of marine ecosystems, innovation and competitiveness in the blue industry, sustainability and resilience in coastal and urban communities, and education and training in blue economy.
The association will also implement other EU added-value actions by mobilizing additional contributions, including research infrastructures and thematic programs, as well as rationalizing other sources of financing. The launch meeting in Rome focuses on the association’s thematic and structuring activities and its ambition to achieve an impact in meeting the EU’s Green Deal, digital transformation and Covid recovery political objectives.
PLOCAN, the Oceanic Platform of the Canary Islands, will also participate as an active agent in the project, contributing with its experience in blue economy projects and its commitment to the sustainability of the maritime sector. The first joint proposal call is scheduled for February 2023. In summary, the European Blue Economy Sustainable Association is a unique opportunity to promote sustainability and innovation in Europe’s maritime and coastal sectors. With an investment plan of 450 million euros over seven years, the association will seek to unite efforts and resources to achieve the goals of the EU’s Green Deal and overcome current challenges such as digitalization, protection of marine ecosystems and resilience of coastal communities. The launch meeting in Rome is the first step towards achieving a sustainable and fair blue economy for all EU citizens. The European Partnership for a climate neutral, sustainable and productive Blue Economy (SBEP) is a key initiative within Horizon Europe that aims to tackle some of the most pressing challenges facing Europe in terms of research and innovation. By bringing the European Commission and private and/or public partners together, the partnership aims to avoid duplication of investments and reduce fragmentation of the research and innovation landscape in the EU.
The main goal of SBEP is to drive a just and inclusive transition to a sustainable and climate-neutral blue economy. To achieve this, key intervention areas will be selected that will ensure a healthy ocean, the wellbeing of citizens and a blue economy that is in harmony with nature, where benefits are distributed fairly.
SBEP focuses on the objectives of the Green Deal and Digital Europe and contributes to the Global Earth Observing System by mobilizing relevant quadruple helix stakeholders who will co-create and co-deliver knowledge-based solutions and innovative governance models, and by combining financial resources for joint transnational calls and resources for other activities.
