• Our partner Finnova Foundation represented the project at the fair that took place in Brussels (Belgium).
• The European Ocean Days is a week-long event with a series of dynamic and interconnected sessions relevant to maritime topics

ONE-BLUE presented its main lines of action at the European Ocean Days, which took place in Brussels from March 3 to 7. The European Ocean Days are a conference organized by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries. They are a space for the exchange of knowledge, the promotion of synergies, and the development of innovative strategies in the marine field.

Jon Larratxea, communication officer of the project and in the Finnova Foundation, represented the consortium in a series of sessions framed within the thematic week. First, ONE-BLUE was present at a matchmaking session where we had the opportunity to meet different stakeholders who showed interest in the project. Regarding the thematic sessions, our representatives attended talks that gathered diverse perspectives to foster collaborative discussions, share insights and develop actionable strategies. In addition, we also had the opportunity to attend sessions organized in the framework of the EU Mission: Restore our Ocean and Waters, hearing representatives from key Mission communities such as regions, cities, ports and islands showcasing local initiatives. Finally, we also focused on meeting the universities attending the Ocean Days, learning about opportunities to develop transdisciplinary EU curricula and exchanging ocean and water education and skills.

The presence of ONE-BLUE in this conference shows the relevance of the research and technologies we are developing. Thanks to this space, we have been able to show these novelties to stakeholders and also, we have reinforced connections that we have made during the first year of life, creating in turn new opportunities for collaboration.

This second edition of European Ocean Days has provided a unique platform for exchanging ideas across diverse blue communities, discussing the challenges ahead, exploring innovative solutions, and paving the way for concrete actions that address interconnected ocean issues. Moreover, this knowledge exchange is a key component of preparing the European Ocean Pact, a reference framework for all EU ocean-related policies.